How To Choose Childcare That Is Right For You and Your Child

Choosing a nursery or daycare for your child can often be an overwhelming decision. I personally found the notion of leaving my precious child in the care of someone else, strangers no less, pretty intimidating. I knew how important it was to choose the right place, not only for me but my child too. I wanted somewhere safe and nurturing so I could be assured my son was in safe hands, but I also wanted somewhere where my child would thrive and have fun.

Knowing where to start and what questions to ask can seem a bit daunting at first. It’s important to consider what makes one daycare stand out over the others. Here’s are some things to look for.

Practicalities

The first task is find out the available childcare options in your area. You then need to narrow that list down by considering practicalities. Examine the location and how easy it will be to drop off and pick up your child at the required time. Perhaps somewhere closer to work or home would be beneficial. You also want to consider the operating hours and flexibility to see whether the times suit your needs.

One of the big practical aspects to think about, is cost. What would be the financial implications of using each childcare option? It is also worth enquiring whether any of your potential choices have a waiting list.

Check The Quality

While you can’t judge solely on other people’s opinions, reading reports from places such as Ofsted can help gage the quality of the service provided. It may also be worth asking fellow parents’ opinions who have experiencd the daycare. Local Facebook groups, friends and online reviews may be able offer a parent’s perspective.

Environment

It’s definitely worth visiting your potential choices so you can see for yourself how things are run. Look out for safe and clean premises that offer a friendly welcome to both you and your child. If there are plenty of busy, happy children there, that is always a good sign! A fun and friendly environment invites a positive approach to learning and development so seeing how other children and the staff interact can be telling. Also see if there is an outside play area that encourages outdoor exploration.

Things to ask

During the visit you may want to ask questions to help you make your decision. Here’s some starting points.

• What is a typical daily routine and how flexible are they?
• Do they provide meals / snacks / nappies?
• What is their discipline policy?
• What learning and educational opportunities are available to the children?
• What is the staff to child ratio?
• How do they communicate with the children in regards to progress, any issues that may occur and general notices.

Gut Instinct

Don’t underestimate your own gut instinct. Nobody knows your child better than you and you are the best judge of where they, and you, would be most comfortable.

I personally chose ours based on a few factors. Namely they didn’t ask us to prebook a time to visit and said we would be welcome at any time. This proved to me that they were comfortable enough to welcome visitors without having to preplan and prepare. There was a friendly and nurturing environment where my son felt instantly at ease. They communicated daily with updates and progress and it was definitely the right choice for us.

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