Childcare Services

Choosing Childcare - Questions to Ask

from The National Childcare Campaign - daycare trust

These are just some of the questions you should ask when visiting a childcare provider. You will also need to think about the things that matter to you and your child and make sure you ask about them too.

Vacancies and costs

• Are there vacancies - is there a waiting list and if so how long?
• Do you have to pay a deposit? If so, what's it for? Is it returnable?
• How much does the setting charge per hour/day?
• Do you have to pay for holidays/meals/nappies/other activities?
• Do they offer a settling in period? If so, how long for?

Staffing and premises

• What is the ratio of staff to children? How many children do they care for?
• Do they operate a key (named) worker system?
• How will they keep you informed about your child's progress?
• What opportunities are there for you to be involved?
• What is staff turnover like?
• How well qualified are the staff?
• Are all the criminal records checks up to date?
• Is there plenty of outdoor space?
• Can you see a copy of the registration certificates and inspection reports for the setting?

Activities and support

• What are the daily routines and how can they incorporate your child's and other children's routines?
• Where can your child sleep or rest?
• What if your child is unhappy? How would they be looked after?
• What are their policies on discipline and how do they manage children's behaviour?
• How will your child's dietary requirements be accommodated?
• What systems do they have in place if a child has a severe food allergy?
• How will your child's cultural background be reflected and respected?
• Are there staff members from different backgrounds? Do they have books and activities representing all cultures? What about food/music/religious festivals?

Emergencies

• What happens if your child is sick?
• What happens if you are delayed picking your child up at the end of the day?
• How will they contact you in an emergency?