PARENTS – visit to a service, what to look for
Before registering your child with any childcare service, it is strongly recommended that you visit the service while children are present to evaluate the type and quality of service.
Some things to bear in mind include:
Was a member of staff available to welcome you and accompany you around
the service?
Is the environment caring, safe and friendly?
Were you and your child made comfortable? (It is important that both parent and child are comfortable in the service).
Are an adequate number of adults available to supervise and care for your children?
Are the facilities for play indoors and outdoors suitable and safe?
Did the children appear happy and stimulated?
Are you happy with the arrangements in place for feeding your child?
Are there suitable and stimulating toys and play materials appropriate to your child’s age?
Is adequate space available for the number of children being cared for?
Are there enough toilets and washing facilities for the children?
Is there a security system?
Does the setting have definite policy guidelines on settling children into the service that allow the parent to stay with their child until they are both happy?
Does the service keep records on each child and discuss each child’s development with their parents?
