How to find childcare and what to consider when choosing a provider
Find a local childcare provider
You can search a range of childcare settings in Bristol on the Family Information Service.
What to consider when looking for childcare
When looking for childcare:
- start researching as soon as you can, most providers have waiting lists
- ask other parents for recommendations
- visit at least two or three providers to compare what's on offer
Visiting providers
When you visit a provider, consider the following.
Wellbeing, learning and development
- are the children calm, happy and playing together
- how does the provider support children's learning and meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- how are the children involved in planning activities
- how will any additional or special educational needs be met
- how do they settle a child in
- what is the childcare provider's policy on managing children's behaviour
- how do they manage toilet training
- what is a typical day or week like
- will your child meet the same children and adults every time they visit
Premises
- are the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children
- does it have a friendly feel
- are there places the children can rest
- is there a fun, outside play area or will children go to parks and other outside places regularly
- are there plenty of safe, clean toys and equipment for the children to use
Safeguarding
- is the provider Ofsted registered, what is their Ofsted rating
- do they have Public Liability Insurance
- have they completed a risk assessment
- are all staff DBS checked
- are the premises secure, so that strangers can't get in
- what happens in an emergency
- how are the children kept safe when on a trip
Staff
- are the staff friendly and welcoming
- what qualifications and experience do they have
- is there any ongoing training
- do staff have a Paediatric First Aid qualification
- are the staff listening to children and answering them appropriately
- how long has the provider been open
- is the provider working to the Bristol Standard, a framework which helps providers improve and maintain standards
- is the provider (childminders only) a member of the Bristol Childminding Network, a network for those who meet our quality approval standards
Practical details
- what are their opening hours
- what is the cost, per hour, session, day, week, month
- what happens if your child is sick
- what happens when you go on holiday
- what happens on bank holidays
- what happens if you're late picking up your child
- what's included in the fee, for example, food, nappies, wipes
- is there a deposit or registration fee and how much is it
- how many children does each member of staff care for
- what type of food or snacks will your child be given
Parent involvement
- can the parents say what they want for their child
- how does the provider keep in touch with parents or report on a child's progress, is a daily diary used for example
If you can't find childcare to suit your needs, contact the Family Information Service at askcyps@bristol.gov.uk or 0117 357 4192.