Choosing childcare and early education checklist
Choosing childcare can be difficult and you may need to visit
several local options to see what’s available. It can be
easier to ask detailed questions over the phone so you can take
notes. Always follow this up by a visit either with or without your
child and don’t forget to listen to your instincts. The best
childcare settings expect questions and are happy to answer
them.
First impressions
Visit the setting to see if it looks clean and cheerful and has
a friendly feel. Is there plenty of space to play inside and
outside? Are the staff and children talking and playing together?
Do you feel welcome and are the staff easy to talk to?
Environment
Look at the equipment and facilities on offer. Is there a
variety of equipment and activities to give your child creative and
stimulating experiences? Is children’s work on display? Are there
separate areas for quiet time and noisy/messy play? How many
children are in your child’s room?
Safety
Your child’s safety should be top priority. What happens in an
emergency? What precautions are in place? Do they have finger
guards on doors? Is it secure? Do they have visitor control systems
in use?
Staff
Ask about qualifications, training and experience. How long have
staff been working there and is there a good balance of ages in the
team? Will your child have a key worker and how will you find out
how your child is getting on and developing?
Care
It’s important to speak to other parents with children in the
setting so ask how you can arrange this. Is there a flexible
settling in period? How do staff deal with misbehaviour and
homesickness? Does the setting have visitors and events? And do
children go out on visits? Is the setting flexible enough to fit in
with work hours? Ask about the latest Ofsted inspection or get the
Ofsted Unique Reference Number (URN) from the setting and view it
online on the Ofsted
website.
Meals
What’s on the menu? Is it healthy and is water always
available?
What experience do staff have of caring for children with
disabilities and SEN? How would they adapt activities for your
child? Is the building fully accessible?
Find out about any financial help to meet your costs, such as
the childcare element of Working Tax Credit, childcare vouchers,
free childcare for training and learning for work or free early
education for 3 and 4 year olds.
Download the checklist as a printable pdf.