Our Kids Hub
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Questions to ask a childminder or nursery
Take this with you. You will forget half of them otherwise, and a good provider will be pleased you came prepared — it tells them you take it seriously too.
A good provider will answer all of this without bristling. Vagueness about money, reluctance to put fees in writing, or irritation at safeguarding questions all tell you something worth knowing.
The practical basics
- What are your hours, and how flexible are they really?
- What do you charge, and what is included?Ask for it in writing — meals, nappies, trips
- Do you take funded hours, and are there top-up fees?See our funded hours guide before you visit
- What is your notice period, and how much notice for a fee increase?
- What happens when you are ill, or on holiday?
- How many children do you have, and what ages?
A typical day
- Talk me through a normal day here.
- How much time do children spend outside?
- What happens at mealtimes, and who provides the food?
- How do you handle naps?
- How much screen time is there, if any?
- How do you settle a new child in?
Safety and safeguarding
- Are you Ofsted registered, and when was your last inspection?You can look the report up yourself before you go
- Who else is in the house or building during the day?
- Is everyone DBS checked, including any helpers?
- Who is trained in paediatric first aid?
- Are there pets or dogs?
- What is your safeguarding policy, and who is the lead?
Behaviour and communication
- How do you handle biting, hitting or big emotions?
- How will you tell me about my child’s day?
- How do you raise something with me if you are worried?
- What would you do if my child was upset all day?
If your child has additional needs
- What experience do you have of children with additional needs?
- Who is your SENCo, and have you worked with an Area SENCo?
- What adjustments could you make for my child?
- Have you supported a child with an EHC plan?Or applied for one
- Would you claim the Disability Access Fund if we qualify?
Things worth noticing, not asking
- Do the children look settled, occupied and comfortable here?
- Does the provider get down to the children’s level and use their names?
- Do children go to them when they need something?
- Would you be happy spending the day here?
- How do you feel walking out?Trust that. It is real information