By the end of 2022, there were approximately 3.58 million children younger than five years old in the UK, with the number still growing. The first steps your child takes are among the most important in their lives, and their learning journey should be just as crucial. Daycare is not only effective for teaching children the necessary skills to venture out into the world, but it also provides a safe and positive environment for them to stay. So what do you need to look for in a daycare for infants? Read on to find out more.
At What Age Should a Baby Go to Daycare?
This depends on when you think your child is ready, as each child develops differently. However, the general recommended age for an infant to start daycare can be as early as six weeks old, to allow them to thrive in a structured environment. In fact, research suggests that 90% of a child’s brain is developed before the age of five, therefore the most important time for an infant to start learning is during infancy.
What to Look For in a Daycare?
If your child has reached an age where they are ready to start learning, a daycare centre is perfect to get them on that development ladder. As there may be many daycare centres to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming to decide which one is right for your child. Therefore, it is important to have a criteria in mind, to ensure the best education for your infant. Here are some of the different factors to take into account when searching for a credible daycare provider.
Safe Environment
The most important factor to look for when establishing a credible daycare centre is safety. It is always worth checking the safety policy of these providers to see whether they acknowledge strict safety measures and if they prioritise the security of your child’s environment. Some centres may offer a tour, therefore, it is worth checking their facilities in person and checking for factors such as the layout of the rooms and the cleanliness of the building. After all, safety should be at the forefront of every educator’s mind.
Educational Development
There is no point in sending your infant to a place that does not value the importance of boosting a baby’s brain. A coherent and well-planned curriculum enables infants to progress faster and learn more effectively. Furthermore, the curriculum should echo the responsiveness that teachers have to the needs of their children. You can always consult a staff member about the daycare’s program to gain better insight into the institution, helping to make an informed decision.
Trained Staff
Speaking of staff, the teachers and other employees at the daycare are a key consideration when checking the credibility of the daycare centre. Whilst it is important that the staff are trained to the correct standards to look after your child, this should be a fundamental requirement in all educational facilities. What sets a daycare centre apart, is the quality of staff and how attentive they are to your enquiries. A good staff member will know what parents are looking for and should answer any of your questions to reassure you that your infant will be in good hands.
Cleanliness
Having touched on this earlier, a clean daycare centre is of utmost importance. As infants are prone to illness, the premises must be as clean as possible to deter any germs from spreading. After all, a clean environment is a happy one and will create a positive atmosphere for your children to play and learn in. Also, as most institutions cook and offer food as part of their program, it is imperative that the hygiene rating is taken seriously to avoid any cross-contamination or food poisoning which could be detrimental to your child.
Variety of Facilities
Daycare centres should be a place where children thrive and develop. Furthermore, a good provider will offer a variety of facilities, rooms and activities to help them do just that. Also, a wide range of activities is imperative to your child’s learning. It is always worth asking about the different types of activities the centre offers. For example, do they offer quiet times for relaxation? Do they offer planned exercise to boost health?
Check the Quality
Last but by no means least, the quality of the centre is perhaps the biggest giveaway for assessing its credibility. Most childcare providers who tend to children under eight years old should be registered with Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills). You can always check the Ofsted rating by visiting the Gov.UK website.
What to Ask
As well as a strict criterion to abide by, it is important that you ask the daycare centre a list of important questions to establish whether they tick all the boxes. Good questions to ask include:
- Do you have any accreditations?
- What is your hygiene rating?
- Are parents involved?
- How many children do you care for?
- How do you manage children’s behaviour?
- Do you provide healthy meals?
- What is your curriculum?
- What is your Ofsted rating?
The more questions you ask, the better. It is a good idea to write down a list of questions that will mean the most to the development of your child.
High-Quality Daycare Centre Near You…
First Steps Nursery is a daycare centre providing care for children from six weeks to five years of age. With years of experience, this nursery prioritises the safety, development and learning of every child that walks through their doors. First Steps offers a variety of well-attended and modern rooms for children to flourish, including Butterflies and Dragonflies, as well as a beautiful garden for outside development. With an Ofsted rating of ‘good’, book a tour with us today to elevate your child’s development.
