If you want your child to be cared for in a group environment where they can learn and play with friends then a Day Nursery may be for you.

Most Day Nurseries offer full and part time day care, all year round and are usually geared to the needs of the children of parents who are working or studying.

There are different types of nurseries with different ways of operating so look around for one that suits your child and you.

Your child will be able to participate in planned learning and play activities, which will enhance their social and educational development.

Trained staff provide a stimulating environment where children will feel safe and secure. A range of activities are usually offered such as art, crafts, sand and water play, music, book reading and stories. Your child will be encouraged to socialise with other children and develop friendships along the way.

All nurseries whether local authority, private or independent have to be registered with Ofsted. After the nursery is registered, day nurseries are subject to regular inspections to make sure the nursery is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. You can ask to see the nursery’s registration certificate and latest inspection report.

If they are registered to receive the Nursery Education Grant they will also have to have an Integrated Care and Education Ofsted inspection to show that they are meeting the National Standards following the Foundation Stage curriculum, working towards the Early Learning Goals and Birth to Three Matters.

The number of children a nursery can care for depends on the size of the premises, the number of staff employed and the ages of the children being cared for. OFSTED have set out the following minimum staffing ratios which nurseries must comply with:

1 member of staff to 3 children from 0 to 2 years
1 member of staff to 4 children from 2 to 3 years
1 member of staff to 8 children from 3 to 7 years

The manager and deputy manager should have relevant childcare experience and qualifications to at least Level 3 in Childcare and Education. At least half the remaining staff should have Level 2 in Childcare and Education or equivalent.

There are also strict guidelines on how many staff are required in ratio to children, these are:

1 member of staff to 3 children for under twos
1 member of staff to 4 children for two to three year olds
1 member of staff to 8 children for three to five year olds

You may also find there are a number of trainees or students in the nursery. These are ‘extra’ and should not be included as ‘staff’ when calculating ratios.

Children can attend a Day Nursery from a few months old right through until they reach school age of 4 to 5 years, although some only cater for children aged 2 to 5 years. Some also offer out of school and holiday care for children in full time education.

If you are looking for childcare for older children please refer to our leaflet ‘Choosing an Out of School Club’ for further guidance.

Most Day nurseries offer full and part time day care, usually from around 8.00am to 6.00pm all year round except public holidays.

Full time or part time places are usually available, if they are part time they are often organised into morning and afternoon sessions for example 8.00am – 1.00pm and 1.00pm – 6.00pm to cater for parents who may only need part time care. Usually if parents require care eg. from 9.00am – 2.00pm they will be required to pay for a full day.

First of all you know your child best. If you feel that a nursery would suit the needs of both you and your child you should begin by visiting a few.

• Take your child with you when visiting to see how they get on.
• Make a second visit to the ones you like.
• Be clear about what type of care you want.
• Prepare a list of questions for when you visit.
• Ask to see their latest inspection reports from Ofsted.
• Be prepared to spend time settling your child in.
• Speak to other parents/carers using the nursery.
• Is the nursery adequately equipped with toys and other types of play material?

When you visit possible day nurseries, look for these Quality Pointers. You could add your own as well.

• Children appear to be happy, content and actively engaged with what they are doing.
• The staff have a genuinely caring and friendly relationship with the children, a calm atmosphere with no raised voices.
• The setting is safe, adequately lit and maintained to a good standard of hygiene.
• Adequate personal space for children to play including an outdoor play area or provision for outdoor play if this is not available.
• Comfortable area where children can relax, and a calm area where very young children can rest and sleep.
• Clean, appropriately sized toilets and hand basins with individual or disposable towels provided.
• Toys, books and displays that represent and promote different cultures in a positive way.

Don’t forget to take your child with you when visiting to see how they get on.

• Do you hold or are you working towards a recognised Quality Assurance award?
• What qualifications / experience do the staff have?
• What are your fees and are meals included? When do I pay?
• What food is provided?
• What charges are made for absence/sickness/holidays?
• What areas/rooms will my child be using?
• Do you provide for children with special needs?
• How do the staff settle in new children?
• Do the children play outside regularly?
• Does the nursery have a complaints procedure?
• What is your routine and what activities do you provide for the children?
• How do you manage difficult behaviour, potty training etc.?
• Do you encourage parental involvement?
• Do you keep records for the children? Can I see an example?
• How can I reserve a place?

Always ask to see a copy of their most recent inspection report. The nursery should also have their certificate of insurance on display for parents to see.

The charges vary from nursery to nursery and the costs for babies are usually higher than for children over 2. Some nurseries may offer a reduction for a second child from the same family. In the Wakefield District the average costs range between £70.00 to £130.00 per child, per week.

Most day nurseries are also registered with their Local Education Authority to provide nursery education places for 3 and 4 year olds. This enables them to offer parents a free part time place for five 2 ½ hour sessions per week during term time.

When you have decided which day nursery you wish to care for your child(ren), make sure you have a written contract stating the costs and outlining exactly what is included, for example, nappies, meals, arrangements for sickness and holidays and finally how much notice is required for termination by either party.

When you have decided which day nursery you wish to care for your child(ren), make sure you get a written contract stating the costs and outlining exactly what is included, for example, nappies, meals, outings etc. You should also be clear about the arrangements for sickness, holidays, how often costs are increased, how much notice is required for termination by either party.

Many parents have to make arrangements at short notice. However, the more time you have, the better. A gradual settling in process is easier for everyone. Consider staying with your child at first for a short period, then use short sessions when you are not present. Say goodbye to your child and state clearly when you will be back. Then, when your child realises that you do come back, he or she will feel happier about being left for longer periods.

Children are often upset when they start at nursery this is only natural, but by reassuring your child this phase will pass. Remember your nursery provider will probably have lots of experience in settling children. If you would prefer, ask to have a trial period, say of 1 month, after this time you can assess whether your child is happy and make further plans if necessary.

This is only a guide. In the end you must be your own judge of what is best for you and your child. However, if you have any concerns there are a number of organisations who may be able to help:

• Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership
  Childcare Development Team
  Telephone: 01924 305630
  Email: information@wakefield.gov.uk

  The team support day nurseries to ensure quality of the childcare provided and they are meeting Ofsted registration requirements.

• Ofsted
  Telephone: 0113 2158404
  Email: em.rc@ofsted.gov.uk
  Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

  Ofsted is the authorised body who register and inspect day care providers for children under eight. Ofsted also deal with complaints that any parent may have about their childcare provider. They will also take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

• NDNA National Day Nurseries Association
  Telephone: 0870 7744244
  Email: info@ndna.org.uk
  Website: www.ndna.org.uk

  The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) offers a wide range of services to day nurseries and parents on issues such as training and quality, staffing etc.

Contact us for information on all registered childcare, play and education provision in the Wakefield District. We also hold information about working in childcare and training courses.