The Spoonie Mummy

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Some of you may know that I am now a teacher, but for nearly 9 years I worked as a nursery nurse in a range of childcare settings, with children between the ages of 0 and 6 years.

Going back to work raised a number of questions for me including how it might affect the boy’s routine. Me and their Dad have managed to work this out pretty well so far luckily, and I know it has helped that they are slightly older. Trying to arrange childcare would have added another whole level of stress to the situation!

I love to follow Anna Whitehouse AKA Mother Pukka, and her campaign to encourage ore flexible working opportunities and better childcare solutions for parents in the UK. I kNow this can be a rally hard area to navigate when returning to work. As an ex-nursery nurse, I thought I would share some of my top tips for looking for the right childcare setting for your child, which will hopefully help make this process a little easier!

1 – What kind of childcare do you need?

There are a range of options – would you prefer a nursery setting, a nanny, after-school/holiday club or a child-minder? This is a personal choice and will depend on what you would prefer for your child/children, but may also be impacted b y the hours you work and whether your chosen setting has space for your child. All options have their positives and negatives, so choose what works best for your family and situation.

2 – Always look around more than one place!

Even if you feel like you love the first place you visit, look around somewhere else too. It is really important to have something to compare each visit to, especially if it is your first time looking at childcare settings. Different settings will have different expectations from you with regards to what you need to provide, they will have different set-ups, planning and behaviour management styles and may use different approaches such as Montessori. If it is your first time stepping in to a nursery, it is a good idea to get as much information as you can about the options, so you can make the best and most informed decision. And don’t be pushed in to making a decision on your visit – any setting should understand the need to look around and have time to consider your options.

3 – Pop in unexpectedly

Settings won’t generally give tours unless pre-planned – this can be difficult to accommodate as you do not want to interrupt the children’s meal, nap and learning routines. But you can pop in to drop off paperwork or schedule a tour and see what kind of feel you get for the place when you turn up unannounced. Are they still friendly and welcoming, and does the setting seem a happy and settled place?

4 – Ofsted

It is always a good idea to check Ofsted ratings but this should not control your decision. I have worked in ‘good’ nurseries that were amazing and once working in one that was rated ‘outstanding’ that I found awful, leaving after three days! Don’t just be guided by the overall score, read the report and see what the setting is doing well and could improve to get a feel for the place.

5 – Check what help you are entitled to with costs

Some work places will help with childcare costs. You may also be able to claim financial support for childcare costs and free hours from the government.

Check out the gov.uk website to see what help you can get.

6 – Ask for recommendations

Ask family and friends for local recommendations and check out online forums to see where people suggest you look around. Just remember that because your friend’s child is doing well somewhere, doesn’t mean it will be right for you and your child – but it’s a good place to start the search for you!

7 – Online searches

Get searching online for what settings are near you. For example a search for ‘Bulwell Nurseries’ can lead you to the Angels by Day – Springfield House serting in Nottingham. You can get lots of information from webistes such as opening times and locations which may help you narrow down choices. You may also want to cinsider your search area – do you need the settinng to be close to home or is it better ti be nearer where you/your partner work? Is it easy to get to for others who may be dropping off/picking up your child/children?

8 – Trust your gut!

This is really important – you will get a good feeling when you have found the right place for you and your child/children. Re-visit your chosen setting after making a decision to ensure you feel comfortable and can ask any questions you may have forgotten the first time round. You should be offered a range of settling in sessions to suit you and your child, which will include you spending time with them for a while in the room they will be based, and gradually extended periods where they are left to settle in.

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It can be a really hard decision, especially when you are not familiar with nurseries and have never been in one before. It can be helpful to write a list of all the things you want to know, as it can be overwhelming and you might forget to ask something you consider important. But there are some amazing settings out there that are staffed by some wonderful people who will nurture and care for your children! I hope these tips will help in your search and you find somewhere really amazing!

Take care and happy searching,