Choosing childcare is a big step for you and your child.  You can find out about the childcare and early education services in your area from Family info Link. Ask about opening hours, cost, age of children and if there is an age appropriate vacancy. You can also find information on  http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/ 

June 2010 - Please note there are currently technical difficulties with the national website above, which are making it difficult to locate Stockport childcare providers.  Family info Link is working with Stockport Council to develop a new local website, which will make this information easier to obtain.  In the meantime please give us a call on freephone 0808 800 0606, email info@familyinfolink.co.uk or contact us through this website.  We will be happy to discuss your requirements and to post or email information to you.

If you are struggling to find childcare and need extra help,  we can offer you a brokerage service. Some of the ways we may be able to help include :

• contacting childcare providers for you
• talking on the phone or meeting with you to discuss your options
• arranging visits to childcare settings
• providing 1-1 support and guidance

Please contact us for more information.

Different types of childcare suit different children.  Try and give yourself enough time to visit several possible options in your area to get a good idea of what could suit you and your child.

Take your child with you to see how staff talk to him/her.  Try to go when children are there so you can see if they are calm, happy and busy.

Here are some suggested questions to ask when you visit.  Add your own questions as well.

1. How long have you been working with children?
2. Have you undertaken any training in childcare and what qualifications do you have?
3. Do you enjoy being with children and why?
4. Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space?
   How will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside?
   How much playing out time occurs in any one day ?
5. Where will my child rest?
6. What kind of food and drink will you give?
7. What will my child do all day?
8. How do you encourage good behaviour?
9. Will my child be with a regular group of children?  How old are they?  
   How will their timetable fit in with my child?
10. How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?

TOP TEN QUALITY POINTERS

When you consider possible childcare options and visit, look for these quality pointers.  You could add your own as well.

1. Are the children calm, safe and happy?
2. Do children play and talk together?
3. Are the staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
4. Are the staff friendly and proud of their work?
5. Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing? Do they have a
   key worker system in order for you and your child to relate to one person
   easily?
6. Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children play and learn?  
   Can children plan some of these themselves?
7. Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
8. Are the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children with a fun 
   outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
9. Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their 
   children?
10. If there are other things you want to know, do not be afraid to ask.

Good childcare staff expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.

TOP TIPS

Always take up references.  You could ask for names of other parents to talk to about your chosen service.

Listen to your child and find out more if he/ she seems unhappy

Always trust your own feelings about childcare - you know your own child best.

All nurseries, pre-school playgroups, out of school clubs and childminders are inspected by OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education).  Ask to see a copy of their latest  Inspection Report. 

Find more information about Ofsted's role as the regulator of childcare online or by telephone 0845 640 40 40