Recognising a Quality Childcare Service
Good quality childcare provides a safe, healthy environment and supports the physical, emotional, social, moral and intellectual development of children. When visiting different facilities, do not be afraid to ask questions. A good facility will be only too happy to share all their information.
General Information
Whenever you first approach a childcare service (any type) requiring information, there are a few key pieces of information that you should be given upfront. A well organised and quality service will have this information promptly to hand, mostly in writing or print, presented in a clear, easy to understand manner, and should leave you with very few questions to ask. This should include:
- Is the service notified/inspected to the HSE or a voluntary notified childminding service to Donegal County Childcare Committee?
- The hours of operation and the fee charges/arrangements
- The age range of children catered for and what is the most number catered for at any one time?
- Can your child be accommodated if they have additional needs (e.g. learning, physical or behavioural)?
- What facilities are provided for play, sleep, toilet/ nappy changing and meals? Is there a sample menu for foods provided?
- The aims/philosophy of the service.
* Parents can refer to the Child Care Regulations (no’s 14 & 15) for details of the information that they are entitled to be given for services that are notified and inspected by the HSE.
Downloads
For more information on choosing childcare;
Download the DCCC Publications ‘Leaving Junior’ (PDF – 744KB)
The Environment
Both the indoor and outdoor environments should be spacious enough to allow children the freedom to move around yet small enough so that children are easily supervised. The atmosphere should be one of creativity and fun with an underpinning sense of organisation and cleanliness.
Things to look for:
- A bright, clean, spacious and child friendly environment
- Safe and well maintained equipment
- An awareness and understanding of child safety, particularly on entering and exiting the premises
- Suitable outdoor play area and equipment
- Variation in toy equipment e.g. home corner, sand and water play paired with puzzles, books and blocks
- Appropriate sleeping and rest facilities
- Evidence of children’s creative abilities e.g. art work displayed at children’s eye level.
Important questions:
- How often is equipment checked for damages?
- What is the routine for sleep and rest times?
- Does the service have a policy on T.V./DVD usage?
- What safety checks are carried out and when?
- What is the policy on visitors coming in to the setting?
Relationships & Interactions
Staff in a childcare setting should encourage positive interactions between children. They should actively engage in interactions with children individually and in groups and support in the development of relationships between both children and staff and children together.
Things to look for:
- A warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
- Children looking comfortable and appearing relaxed
- Positive interaction between staff and children
- Opportunities for children to play in pairs, groups or individually.
Important questions
- Does the service have a key worker system in place?
- Do siblings and children of different age groups mix during the day?
- Does the service have a positive behaviour policy and how are instances of negative interactions dealt with?
The Programme / Curriculum
The services programme/curriculum should cater for all areas of children’s development, be well documented and the documents available and readily in use.
Things to look for:
- A broad range of planned activities that children can participate in regularly
- Evidence of different activities children have participated in
- Evidence of both child led and adult chosen activities.
Important questions:
- How does the curriculum/programme support your aims for your child’s learning and development?
- Does the chosen curriculum offer opportunities for parents to become involved in children’s learning?
- Are children provided with opportunities to learn about their own and other cultures?
- What is the general daily routine?
- Does the timetable appear to achieve a good balance between quiet activities (e.g. painting, jigsaws, rest time) and more energetic ones (e.g. dancing, outdoor play, free play); between child led activities (e.g. free play) and adult chosen ones (e.g. story time)?
- Do children attending all day (including babies) get a break away from their main room?
- Are children taught practical skills (e.g. handwashing, toilet training, dressing etc)?
Health & Safety
Services should implement a full range of policies and procedures to promote the health and welfare of both children and adults in the setting.
Things to look for:
- Up to date policies and procedures relating to all areas of risk within the setting
- Fire safety equipment (e.g. smoke alarms, fire extinguishers) and evidence of regular fire drills
- An accident and incident recording book
- Well maintained equipment and premises
- Clearly marked emergency exists.
Important questions:
- Does the service have adequate insurance including additional cover for collecting/transporting children in cars or for outings?
- What is the policy on reporting accidents and illness to parents?
- Is there any other persons, excluding childcare staff, who will have access to the children at any time?
- Have all staff been vetted by an Garda Síochána?
Parental Involvement
The service should have a written policy on parental involvement in the setting and the sharing of information with parents. Parents should also be provided with a parent’s handbook containing all the services policies and procedures, mission statement, opening hours, curriculum/programme and relevant fees. A viewing of the entire facility should be provided, prior to you enrolling your child.
Important Questions:
- What arrangements are in place to facilitate regular information sharing between parents and the child’s key worker?
- How can parents become involved in the activities within the setting?
- Does the service have a mechanism for reporting the child’s progress to parents?
- Are parents provided with daily feedback on their child’s progress and general wellbeing?
Policies & Procedures
Childcare services are obliged by law to implement a range of up to date policies and procedures, which should be reviewed on a regular basis.
Look for Policies on…………
Administration: Admissions, Fees and payment, Collection of Children, Record Keeping, Complaints.
Personnel: Recruitment, Training, Confidentially, Student Placement.
Health and Safety: Child Protection, First Aid, Immunisation, Hygiene, Accident Prevention, Fire Safety, Outings, Nappy Changing, Toileting, Head Lice, Child and Staff Illness, Administration of Medication, Cleaning and Checking Equipment and play Items.
Childcare and Education: Curriculum, Equipment, Equal Opportunities, Positive Behaviour Management, Language, Bullying.
Partnership with Parents: Parental Involvement, Settling In, Contacting and Informing Parents
Important questions:
- How often are the Policies and Procedures reviewed?
Staff Training & Qualifications
All staff in a childcare setting are required to have skills, knowledge and attitudes appropriate to their roles and responsibilities within the setting.
Things to look for:
- Evidence of staff qualifications/training
- A set of key principles/ guidelines staff are subscribing to
- A policy on professional development.
Important Questions:
- Are all staff qualified at FETAC Level 5 or equivalent?
- Are all staff working in supervisory positions qualified at FETAC Level 6 or equivalent and/or have relevant experience?
- Are staff encouraged to engage in professional development and what opportunities are offered to them?
- For Childminders Only: Ask to see at least two references and check both of these.
