Alison?s list of questions to ask
How long have you been working with children?
What training have you had? Any qualifications? Are
you part of a network, achieved a quality assurance
qualification?
Look at registration certificate, insurance details,
business use for car.
First aid must be no more than 3 years old, food
hygiene certificate, Certificate in Childminding
practice or NVQ 3
Contracts and record forms are they official/legal
Do you enjoy being with children and why?
Can I look around; see the rooms and outside play
space? If there is no outside play space - how will
you make sure my child gets the chance to play
outside?
Where will my child rest?
What kind of food and drink will you give? Can I see a
menu?
What will my child do all day?
How do you encourage good behaviour?
Will my child be with a regular group of children? How
old are they? How will their timetable fit in with my
child?
How will you make sure I know how my child is getting
on?
What hours is she open?
How much does she charge?
What about when my child is sick, holidays, days off
What do you do in an emergency?
When was her last Ofsted, can you see the report?
Top 10 Quality Pointers
When you visit possible childcare options, look for
these Quality Pointers:
Are the children calm, safe, happy and busy?
Do children play and talk together?
Is the childminder listening to the children and
answering them carefully?
Is the childminder friendly and proud of her work?
Is she joining in joining in with what the children
are doing?
Are there lots of fun activities planned to help
children learn and play? Can children plan 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
with a fun outside play area (or will the child go to
parks and other places regularly)?
Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they
want for their children?
If there are other things you want to know, don't be
afraid to ask. Good childminders expect you to ask
questions and will be happy to answer them.
Always take up references. You could ask for names of
other parents to talk to about the service
See how your child reacts in the setting
Always trust your own feelings about your childcare -
you know your child best
hope these help!