Advice on choosing a pre-school
Click here to see a pdf Factsheet of this page that you can print out. Every child is unique, with their own needs and interests - and every parent is unique too, with their own particular circumstances, preferences, views and feelings about the kind of care and education that their child should receive. You naturally want to do the best for your child - and this is what this page is intended to do, by providing tips and pointers to aid you in your decision-making. What to look out for
There are four key things that distinguish good, high-quality early or pre-school education services from poor childcare services. Those four key things are: Quality staff - are they trained and/or experienced, and ready to respond to the needs of your child? Good premises - are they clean and safe with plenty of space for your child to play and explore? Stimulating activities - are these planned for your child each day, and supported by good resources, toys and equipment? Welcoming atmosphere - do you and your child feel welcome when you come in? Top questions to ask
These are all questions that you can put to a senior member of staff at any pre-school or maintained nursery you're considering for your child. If you're unhappy with any answer you receive, try somewhere else. How long have you been working and teaching with children?
What about other members of staff?
How have you learned your job?
What professional qualifications do you have?
Do you enjoy being with children, and why?
Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space?
If there is no outside play space, how will you make sure that my child gets the chance to play outside?
Where will my child rest?
What kind of food and drink will you provide?
What will my child do all day?
What will you do if my child is naughty?
Do you have a policy about this?
Will my child be with a regular group of children?
How old are these other children?
How will their timetable fit in with that of my child?
How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on? Top quality pointers
It is always a good idea to visit a pre-school or maintained nursery that you're considering sending your child to in person. When you do, look out for these "quality pointers" - you could add your own to the list as well. Do the children appear calm, safe and happy?
Do children play and talk together?
Are staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
Are staff members friendly and enthusiastic about their job?
Do the staff members join in with what the children are doing?
Are there lots of stimulating activities planned to help children learn through play?
Can children initiate some of these activities themselves?
Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
Are the premises clean, well kept and safe for children?
Is there an outside play area?
If there is no outside play area, will children go to parks and other such places regularly?
Do you feel like the staff have given you the opportunity to say what you want for your children?
Do you feel like the staff have listened and understood?
If there are any other issues that you'd like to discuss, do not be afraid to ask. Any good pre-school will welcome such questions, and staff should be willing and able to answer them. Good practice
This is a list of four other good tips to consider when choosing a pre-school. Listen -to your child. They are the ones who will have to spend their time at the pre-school or maintained nursery after all! Always find out more if they seem unhappy or unwilling to attend Trust your feelings - you know your child, and are the best judge of whether they will be happy and will thrive in a particular place. References - always take up references, and check them back to their source if you think that's necessary. You could also ask for the names of other parents to talk to about your chosen early education provider. Inspection reports - always ask to see the OfSTED (Early Years) inspection report for the current year. What to do if you're concerned
If you have any concerns at all about the quality or integrity of your childcare provider, you can contact the regulating body - OfSTED - on 0845 601 4772. Finding a Preschool
To find a pre-school or maintained nursery in Southampton, click here - or contact the Children's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833.
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