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What To Look For In A Nursery
If you at looking at childcare from the age
of about 3 months up to the age of 5 years old
then you may be looking at nursery daycare.
The intention of this guide is to provide parents
with an awareness of what to look out for when
visiting the nursery for the first time.
- Staff-to-child ratios should be:
1:3 for ages 0-2
1:4 for ages 2-3
1:8 for ages 3-5
-
The nursery is registered with Ofsted Early
Years(or in Wales by the Care Standards
Inspectorate). This means that staff working
there are checked for criminal record history.
The premises will also be regulary inspected
for health and safety and welfare of the
children. Ask to see a current certificate
of insurance and most recent report (this
is available online with Ofsted).
-
Environment is friendly and staff come
across as relaxed and confident.
-
Are staff actively engaged with the children
- enthusiastically involved with their play
and learning?
-
Do the children get served fresh and healthy
food? Is the menu varied throughout the
week?
-
Are the children happy - children appear
at ease with staff?
-
Check the facilities are clean, safe and
in good condition.
-
Does the nursery belong to a professional
organisation such as National Day Nurseries
Association (NDNA), keeping them informed
of current issues?
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Do they have a safe and clean outside play
area?
- At least one member of staff should have
a first Aid certificate and all supervisors
must have an NVQ Childcare Level 3 or equivalent.
In summary the key
things to look for are a clean, safe and stimulating
environment with caring and friendly staff.
You should ensure that the nursery offers a
structured daily syllabus with plenty of opportunities
for fun as well as learning. It is also important
to enquire about the qualifications of the staff
and be sure there is a least one with a first
aid certificate.
Other authorative childcare websites to help you with your search:
www.childcarelink.gov.uk 0800 096 0296 Find your local Children’s Information Service
www.nc.uk.net The national curriculum online.
www.ofsted.gov.uk Read OFSTED reports on all nurseries and schools
www.daycaretrust.org.uk The Daycare Trust. A useful booklet available on request.
www.ndna.org.uk 0870 774 4244 National Day Nurseries Association.
www.pre-school.org.uk 020 7833 0991 The authority on playgroups and pre-schools.
www.parentsatwork.org.uk 020 7628 3578 Leaflets about childcare choices.
www.isis.org.uk Independent Schools Council Information Service
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