Choosing childcare

Choosing the right childcare place for your child is very important. The place you choose should be somewhere your child feels welcome, comfortable and safe.  It should provide opportunities for them to develop and learn in stimulating, varied and enjoyable ways. 

Give yourself as much time as possible to visit several providers before making a choice.  Ask for any available written information and make an appointment before you visit.  Go with your child and visit the settings under consideration during a working session.

On visits you should look for the following:

• Ensure the provider registered with the Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted)
• Are you and your child made welcome?
• Do the children look happy?
• Are they involved in stimulating and imaginative activities
• What range of activities are available?
• Are the adults friendly, interested and interacting with the children?
• How are three and four year-old sessions organised?
• Is there a good variety of equipment?
• Is it clean and safe?
• Are staff trained to work in early years and/or in childcare?
• Are the premises clean and secure so children are safe?
• Most important of all, do you feel the setting will meet the needs of your child?

Lists and details of childcare providers can be obtained from Buckinghamshire Family Information Service (BFIS) on 0845 688 4944, email familyinfo@buckscc.gov.uk or submitting the BFIS enquiry form below.