This is a common question and the one most of you will face before even considering whether you will use and trust child care for your children. For many of you, understandably it’s difficult enough leaving your child in the care of a family member or close friend. I’m sure you’ll remember the first time you left your child and how anxious you likely would have felt.

Child care exists in many forms, from family & friends to babysitters, nurseries and day care centres. There are some good governing bodies and local authorities who oversee the child care industry as well as a range of educational institutions providing recognised courses and qualifications in child care. Any child care worker should also be vetted with a DBS (formerly CRB) check to clear them to work with children.

In additions to the mandatory DBS check you should look for carers who have a NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Child Care qualifications. If speaking to a day care centre or nursery ask for their latest Ofsted report. You should also ask any child care facility about their policy’s regarding health & safety, risk assessments and insurances to check they’re properly manged.

Furthermore, much like you would with a family member or friend for any child care, whether a babysitter, nursery or day care you should go and meet and spend time with the people who may be caring for your child to get to know them better. This can help you decide on the best fit for your child help you to feel more assured should you go ahead.

Some additional questions you should ask specifically for child day care centres are below;

• How long have you been working with children?
• What is the ratio of children to carers?
• Who will be caring for my child and will this change?
• Have you got some parent references I can take up?
• What would happen if my child had an accident?

For further details on checks you should do, particularly in relation to qualifications etc. feel free to give us a call on 020 7403 9827.