WHAT SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE?

THIS PAGE WILL CONTAIN SUGGESTIONS FROM MYSELF AS TO WHAT YOU COULD THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU LOOK FOR CHILDCARE AND ALSO WHAT COULD BE ON YOUR CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU RING ANY CHILDCARE PROVIDERS.

Suggestions so far:-

Hours - actual care hours needed just not those you work. Always over estimate your times, make drop off and collection times a pleasant experience for you, your carer and your child

Location- Can you get there easily, and still be in time for work, meeting, studying etc.

School areas -  do they cover the school/nursery your child attends or will attend shortly?

Charges - How much per hour, and are there any minumum session times/charges? Are there daily discounts for longer hours? Or 2nd child discounts? Do you get WFTC receipts? Will a deposit be needed to secure the place? Are there any extra charges costs on top of the hourly or daily rate?

Musts - This MUST be your own list and will grow as you speak to more carers, but could include early starts, flexible hours, Outdoor activites, 1st hand car seats, social interaction with peers, special diet, access to many stage resources, personal cots, potties and equipment. Quiet sleeping area, A secure place to leave your pram if arriving on foot. Is it en route to your place of work/study? Are they happy to use cloth nappies? Do they accept childcare vouchers? BACS?

No no's - Think carefully if there is anything you CAN NOT accept from you carers setting.  Pets, Steps, Main  Road?, remote location, nowhere secure to leave your pram/car seat? Junk food, Frequent Car Journeys, Shopping. Do they charge in advance? Cash only? Would your child be leaving Kidderminster without your knowledge? Would your child be left in the care of an unqualified assistant on a regular basis? Anything important to you.

Surestart suggestion you ask the following questions when looking for childcare.

How long have you been Childminding?

What extra training have you done?

Why do you like this job?

What other children will be with my child and how old are they?

Have you any references from other parents?

Have you joined any quality assurance schemes?

Do you belong to a childminding Network?

Do you charge for sick days?

Ask to see if all the rooms used for Childminding are clean and tidy?

Where will the child sleep, Is it quiet if you want it quiet?

How do existing schedules fit in with my child. When do they go shopping, banking, do ironing etc.

Do you go out on Day trips, where to and do you need to pay extra?

Do you have properly fitted safe child car seats?

What kind of meals do provide for the children?

Do you keep a progress file for each child?

Do you provide any free settling in sessions?

ALSO REMEMBER TO ASK ......

To see current copies of Ofsted certificates, public liabiltiy, car insurance and first aid certificates along with any qualification certificates.

Check all areas are registered and insured.

Who is coming and going, how many non-registered, non-CRB checked adults are my children coming into contact with during their time in your care.

Make sure you have a proper contract that covers, hours, pay, sickness and holiday pay, and make sure you actually read policies before you leave your child as these provide the basis for their safety during your absence.