Suggested questions and ideas when visiting any childcare centreThe choice of childcare and early education is very important for both you and your child. Your local Children’s Information Service can provide you with information regarding various settings in your area. You can access this service through: http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp The obvious questions to ask on first enquiry are:
Each setting in the early education and pre-school area will differ, as will individual childminders, nurseries, nursery classes or crèches. Ensure that you have time to spend on visiting several possible options in your area to get a good idea of what is available, what you like and which setting would really suit you and your child. You are the one person who knows your child— trust your feelings. When you visit a setting it can be a good idea to take your child with you. This will allow you to see the child’s reaction to the rooms, to the atmosphere and to see how staff talk to him or her. It is often a good idea to visit more than once, on different days, as there may be other children and staff. Most settings will be happy to allow you to spend a morning there and to watch the interaction of your child with other children and people. Your child is your most precious possession…..you must make sure that the environment is right and that you trust and have complete faith in the staff. Do not be afraid to ask questions both of the Head and of the staff who will be actually teaching your child every day. Many parents go prepared with a long list of questions and this is great as it can save numerous telephone calls later. Also, if you are seeing more than one school you are perfectly at liberty to write notes so that you remember which school is which. Some Heads take photographs of the children and parents for exactly the same reason….and also so that they are not embarrassed by failing to recognise you next time you come. 10 questions to ask when visiting 1. Ask the staff how long they have been there. All children need a secure relationship and will quickly form friendships with their teachers so you must ensure that stability.
2. It is important that all the staff have the necessary qualifications and training. Most Nursery staff have child care qualifications of at least level 3 or above. They need to recognise and know how to deal with problems, when to intervene and when to observe. Ask and watch how staff deal with the children….a quiet teacher makes a quiet happy class! 3. Ensure that you see the whole school and all the buildings. You are perfectly at liberty to ask to see the kitchens, the toilets and all the play areas. They will all affect the welfare of your child so feel free to ask. As the teacher is talking count the children and the staff ratio. There should be at least one member of staff for every 4 children aged 2 to 3 , and one member of staff for every 8 children between 3 and 5. The play areas should have safety surfaces and be secure so that no child could run away or get lost. There should be enough room to run around both inside and outside without falling over each other. Cloakroom space is essential so that your child has their own peg and a space for belongings brought from home. This adds to the security and good organisation.Staffing ratios 4. It may be important to you that some staff are parents themselves so that they have experienced leaving little ones for the first time and the emotions that this entails. You can ask why they enjoy children and you can tell from the atmosphere whether it is stimulating for children and if they will develop their potential. 10. You will need to know about your child’s progress and if there is any screening done to detect problems. All children should follow the Foundation Stage curriculum and you should be made aware of this. Parents evenings and open days are usually held. Some Nurseries write end of term reports which are helpful but not as constructive as talking to a teacher. Check on First Aid, Home School agreement document and emergency contact numbers for you and another member of your family in case of accidents. School Policies When you visit a Nursery you will know straight away whether your child will be happy there. It is like choosing a house……. as soon as you enter the right one you feel at home. The problem comes if you like two or three Nurseries. It is always a good idea to make the journey to school feasible in both time and distance otherwise you and your child can spend hours in the car when you both could be at home or playing!
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