Once
I've visited, how do I choose?
Don't just choose the first one that seems OK. Visit
two or three childcare providers. Compare them with each other and
with your list of what you need and want. Trust your instincts too.
Don't choose anyone that you don't feel completely confident
about.
Your child's opinion counts for a lot, even young children can
make their feelings felt.
What
else do I need to check
out?
You should make sure that
the provider is registered by
Ofsted (the Office for
Standards in Education). You may also want to ask for references on
the childcare provision - for example, you could ask them to put
you in touch with a parent who uses their service. This is really
important as a check that other people are happy about the
childcare provider.
You might feel awkward asking for them but no one
who is confident about the quality of their service will refuse.
And if they do refuse to provide references just ask yourself
'why?'
What
if I still can't find what I
want?
If none of these
providers matched up to your wishes, look again. Your child
deserves good quality care. Phone us on 0845 60 800
33 if you feel talking it over with someone with special
knowledge will help.
So I've made
my choice. Is that it?
Pretty much. Phone the childcare provider to book a
place for your child. Sort out the paperwork
with them. Make sure that you follow up those references.
Remember it's important to keep checking your child is happy with
your childcare provider.
If, at any time, you have any concerns about your childcare
provider then contact the Suffolk Families Information Service
0845 60 800 33
Sure Start produce a booklet called 'Looking
for childcare' which contains a series of checklists covering
a number of childcare related
issues.