Things to look out for
When you visit a childcare provider, you may want to check:
- if the setting is welcoming and friendly
- if there is enough room for your child to be active indoors and out
- how the setting is arranged - is there a quiet area and a room for messy play, for example?
- if it is safe, clean and secure
- whether you see staff listening, talking and interacting appropriately with the children and with each other
- whether the staff welcome your questions
- whether the staff are enthusiastic about your child attending their setting
- whether the staff appear to value your knowledge of your child
- how interested the children are in the activities and equipment available.
Children with additional needs
If your child has additional needs and/or special educational needs, you should ask:
- about staff qualifications
- how they'll prepare for your child going to their new school or room
- what plans they have for emergencies
- how play activities will be adapted
- how many children there are to each member of staff
- who is supervising and how they’re doing it
- how you'll get updates on what your child has done, enjoyed and learnt and how you should raise concerns
- if the equipment is varied, high-quality and creative
- how they promote positive behaviour
- how you’ll find out about your child's day and what they enjoyed and learnt
- what food they give the children for lunch and snacks
- how they work with other professionals who might work with your child.