What’s daily life in childcare really like? Ask your questions - £100 voucher to be won

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This Q&A is now closed

As part of our wider Q&A with the Department for Education about funded childcare, we’ve had loads of brilliant questions about eligibility and how to apply.

But for lots of parents, the biggest question isn’t can we get a place - it’s whether we want to use childcare at all? Maybe you're worried about how your child will settle, what actually happens during the day, or whether childcare is the right fit for your family right now. Maybe you're feeling the pressure to go back to work when you're not sure you're ready. Maybe you’ve done it before and have lots of excellent wisdom to share with other parents.

If you're on the fence, full of questions, or just want to hear how others made it work, this thread is for you. Come and share your thoughts and experiences and help others who are figuring it all out too.

Post your questions below - whether you want to know:
– What a typical day looks like, whether in a nursery or with a childminder
– How childcare settings support learning and development
– How naps, meals, and tricky behaviour are managed
– Or how to help your child settle in

👩‍🏫 Our expert Sarah Walker, an experienced Early Years teacher, is on hand to share insight from inside the setting - and help you feel more confident about your choices.

Sarah Walker is an experienced Early Years teacher based in Bradford, working across two local schools (Carlton Mills and Marshfield Primary). In 2022, she was shortlisted for the Award for Outstanding New Teacher. In 2023, Sarah collaborated closely with the Director of Early Years to spearhead the transformation of Carlton Mills - from “Requires Improvement” to “Outstanding” - demonstrating her expertise in curriculum development. Passionate about fostering a love of learning from the earliest stages, Sarah continues to drive high standards and innovation in early years practice.

💬 Ask your question below by 31st August and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 VEX gift voucher (T&C’s apply)

Hi @Montydoo. If a child is disruptive or violent, I see it as communication, not just “bad behaviour.” In our nursery, we respond with calm, consistent boundaries, clear routines, and strategies like de-escalation, praise, and safe spaces. We work closely with parents and outside professionals if needed, and risk assessments or extra staffing may be put in place. Exclusion in Early Years is extremely rare and only considered if every support route is exhausted and safety cannot be maintained. The priority is always inclusion, support, and safeguarding.

Yes @DinkyDaffodil - nurseries are expected to have a business continuity plan covering emergencies like fire, flood, or vandalism, so they can protect children and reopen safely and quickly, even if in an alternative form or location.

Hi @youareonlyhereonce. Yes — all Ofsted inspection reports and food hygiene ratings are public and easy for parents to access online. These give clear information on quality, safety, and standards. Nurseries can also share policies, staff training details, and any quality awards to give parents extra confidence. My advice would be to arrange a visit to the setting, as this is a way to get a feel of the nursery in person and I'm sure the staff will be able to answer any questions or put you at ease with any concerns.

In my experience, that’s very common and completely normal. Most children grow out of this quickly once they trust that you always come back. A few things can help:

-Keep goodbyes short and calm – a quick hug, clear “I’ll be back later,” then leave confidently.
-Use a comfort item – let her take a favourite toy or blanket.
-Build a goodbye routine – the same phrase or gesture each time gives reassurance.
-Talk positively about nursery – remind her of the fun things she does there.
-Practice short separations outside nursery – e.g., leaving her with a trusted friend/relative for a short time.

Thanks for the question @hannahp1209

Thanks so much for all your questions!

Thank you for all your thoughtful answers @SarahWalkerEY.

The Childcare Choices website has now become the Best Start in Life website. This brand new website will bring together information and support for parents - from childcare offers and eligibility, to information and support from pregnancy and throughout your child’s early years (and beyond). Visit the hub to find out more: www.beststartinlife.gov.uk