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.
They
have been made available in word format on their
website.