Checklist for early education and childcare
You will probably have a good idea of what best suits you and your child's needs. However, the following checklists might also provide some general things to look for when choosing preschool education such as a nursery, playgroup or even a childminder.
What to look for in a provider
The following checklist may come in handy when choosing a childcare provider:
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does the childcare setting have a friendly feel?
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is it clean, light, well ventilated and big enough for children to be active indoors and outdoors?
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are there places where the children can rest?
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is the equipment like the toys and furniture safe and of a sufficiently high standard?
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do the children look happy?
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are there plenty of children of your child's age?
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are the provider and carers Ofsted registered?
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are there enough staff to keep an eye on all children?
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do the staff manage behaviour appropriately?
Children
You may wish to find out:
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whether children are calm, safe, happy and playing together
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whether your child will meet the same children and adults every time they attend
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what happens when your child is sick
Staff
You may want to find out if the staff are:
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friendly and welcoming
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listening, talking and interacting appropriately with children
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qualified and experienced
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aware of confidentiality and privacy
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managing behaviour appropriately
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working in partnership with parents and willing to discuss their concerns and listen to what they know about their child
Looking at learning
You may wish to find out:
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how activities are planned to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
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about the range of resources and equipment available to support learning
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how any additional and special educational needs will be met
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how you get to know about and involved in your child's learning and progress
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how children are involved in the planning of activities
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whether there is provision for staff to continue to learn about children and their needs
Environment
Take a look at the indoor and outdoor environment to see whether:
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it is safe, clean and secure
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it is welcoming and stimulating
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there is enough space for children to be active indoors and outdoors
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there are places where children can rest
Questions to ask childcare providers
You may want to ask about the following:
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safety - what happens in an emergency?
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are the premises secure (can strangers get in)?
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what training and experience do the carers have?
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do the carers know first aid?
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what is the staff's view on discipline?
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what activities are on offer?
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what food is provided (is it healthy)?
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who can you talk to about your child's progress?
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what happens if your child becomes ill?
General information
You may want to find out about:
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opening times and holiday dates
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charges and holiday charges
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healthy meals and special diets
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emergency procedures
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the equal opportunities policy
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policies on child protection
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the ratio of children to staff