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?