Top Tips to Finding Quality Childcare

By Allison Marlowe

In choosing the best childcare environment for your child's individual needs allow plenty of time to make your choice.

• Know your options - speak to friends and family, personal recommendations are an excellent start.
• Consider your child's age and personality, particularly so when it comes to small babies and children under the age of two, who need a closer one-to-one relationship.
• Note down your basic requirements e.g. hours, cost, location, and make these your first questions when you start to phone around.
• All three and four-year-olds are entitled to free part-time early education. Call ChildcareLink on freephone 0800 096 02 96 for the address and phone number of your local Children's Information Service (CIS) who keep an up- to-date list of local and registered childcare and early years services. Or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk
• If choosing a nursery always ensure it is registered with OFSTED.
• The registration certificate should be displayed together with a current certificate of insurance.
• Always visit the childcare providers yourself - inspections and accreditation are no substitute for your own judgement. You know your child best, so keep in mind your gut instinct, too.
• Ask plenty of questions. Here are a few for consideration What qualifications do staff hold?
• Is there a safe and clean outside play area? Is the interior bright, warm, clean, well decorated and welcoming? Is the equipment good quality, clean, safe and appropriate?
• What sort of meals are provided and at what time? Is the food fresh? Can they provide for special diets? Are the menus changed on a regular basis?
• Do the children in the nursery look happy and well occupied? Are the children using a variety of equipment and are staff involved with their play?
• Are the staff looking happy, relaxed, well presented, calm and confident?

You will find it well worth the extra time to choose carefully because if your child is happy and secure, you and your family will find your lives enriched as well.

Allison Marlowe is well aware that many parents facing a hectic lifestyle need to find the most effective way to accommodate long working hours and to provide their children with the level of care they deserve. Deciding to employ some one to care for your children, therefore, can be very emotional and very challenging and sometimes it can be difficult to find good quality long term care that you can trust.

This is why Allison set up Perfect Nanny Solutions, a unique service to support you in doing just that, so you can return to work knowing you have peace of mind and your children are happy and well cared for. Allison is passionate about parenting and has brought together her experience and skills as an Early Years Practitioner and College Lecturer to offer unique coaching to help parents optimise their parenting skills.

Contact her today on 02392 644598 to see how she can help you find solutions to any parenting situation, from sleepless nights to rebellious teenagers, juggling childcare to finding some regular time for yourself, you will be able to reach your full parenting potential and develop a positive relationship in which to raise happy, responsible and confident children.

www.paceoflifecoaching.co.uk   info@paceoflifecoaching.co.uk

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