earlyyearsonline.co.uk

Settings

All settings must be registered with their local authority. This registration covers a great number of essential features and facilities of the premises, certain operating procedures and the suitability of the person/people involved to care or children. All of which are extremely important. It ensures that the setting complies with the requirements of the Children's Act.

Every registered establishment will be inspected at least once every year. You can view past inspection reports, contact your local authority to arrange this.

It must be noted however that this process cannot be taken to be a guarantee of quality or suitability for your particular needs therefore careful selection is still very necessary.

The local authority registration certificate should be on display within the premises. If there is any doubt, check with the setting Manager/Officer-in Charge and/or the Setting Inspection Unit within the local authority (the title of this office may vary from one authority to another, the setting however should be able to supply you with the address and/or telephone No.)

A current certificate of insurance should also be available, ensure you check it.

General Service:

• What are the opening and closing times and when do am/pm sessions start and finish?
• What holidays/closures are there?
• Is there any pre/after school and/or holiday care services for school age children?

Physical features:

• Are the care rooms of an appropriate size?
• Is the interior bright and well maintained?
• Are the premises clean?
• Is there any indoor play area and is it safe?
• Is there any outside play area and is it safe?
• If food is prepared on the premises is the kitchen appropriate and hygienic?
  

Equipment/resources:

• Does there appear to be a wide selection of equipment, books, games, puzzles etc. available?
• Does the equipment appear clean safe and well looked after?
• Does there appear to be plenty and varied consumable resources, pens, paint, paper, sand etc.?

Interpersonal issues:

• Were you warmly received and made welcome?
• Were the staff you met helpful, friendly, happy and well presented?
• Did you feel your questions were answered openly?
• Were the staff interacting well and involved with the children?
• Did there appear to be a range of age and experience amongst the staff?
• Were the children happy, settled and occupied?
• How is good behaviour encouraged?

Fees/Charges:

• What are the fees, are holidays and closures charged for?
• What meals/snacks are included?
• Are nappies and baby formula included?
• What about trips and outings?

Routine and activities:

• What is the daily routine?
• Are there examples of a range of activities being offered?
• How does the setting deliver the foundation stage?
• How does the setting meet the individual needs of children?
• How is children's progress assessed?
• If there is no 'on-site' outside play facilities how and when will children play outside?

Parental involvement/communication:

• How is parent/carer communication and feedback handled?
• Is there a key worker system in operation?
• Can the setting accommodate your child's dietary requirements?
• Is there a parent group?
• Are there any regular progress/development meetings?

Remember; ask for references from other parents, don't forget the 'feelgood' factor and if in doubt, try somewhere else.

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