Whilst trying to decide which
method of childcare would be
most suitable for your family –
you may want to ask yourself a
number of questions before-
hand and these include:
Would you rather the childcare
take place in your own home or
outside it?
If outside it, how far are you able
to travel each morning?
Would it be easier to arrange the
childcare nearer to home or
work?
look like a ‘cheaper’ option, you
will not be given any financial as-
sistance and may be expected to
pay for necessary equipment e.g.
car seats, stair gates etc. Will
they provide care in your home or
theirs? You will need to think
about illness and holidays too.
Is there a clear fee structure? Will
this include meals, snacks, nap-
pies and days out?
Do they have a notice period if
you wish to change childcare?
In addition, depending on the
childcare you choose, it's worth
If you are delayed at work, do you
considering:
have a back-up plan in place?
How is discipline enforced? How
What would happen if you are ill?
is positive behaviour reinforced?
If the child is ill? If a childminder is
How is negative behaviour dis-
ill?
couraged?
What happens during your own or
Does the carer have extensive
a childminder’s holidays?
experience of working with babies
If there was an emergency would or children of a similar age to your
you be able to get to your child
child?
quickly?
How qualified are the staff?
Will your chosen method of child-
care qualify for financial help with
childcare costs: working tax credit
or childcare vouchers?
If you ask a family member to
help out, will they have to reduce
their working hours to fit in with
yours? Although this may initially