Choosing a nursery?

Registration week for free early learning and childcare is coming up in March. Here are some things worth considering when choosing a nursery. Speak to your friends, relatives, colleagues and look in local press. These are generally trusted sources for recommendations. See what The Care Inspectorate, independent regulators of care services in Scotland, says about local facilities. Their website www. careinspectorate.com allows you to search all the services in a town or postcode area. You'll find: * Service and provider details who, what and where. * Conditions of Registration - opening times and maximum number of children cared for. * Quality Grades - see how a service is performing. Care Inspectors during unannounced visits look at four themes, care and support, environment, staffing, leadership and management. * Inspections - full inspection reports are available. * Complaints / Enforcements Armed with the above information, contact those nurseries on your shortlist. You should be offered an information pack that conditions some or all of the following: * The aim of the nursery * Background on the nursery * Opening times * Numbers of children cared for * Inspection grades * How they will involve you and your child in the service * Information on Pre-Birth to Three / Curriculum for Excellence (Scottish Government policy) * A typical day at the nursery * Fees and payment terms You will want to visit possible nurseries. Do not be afraid to take a list of questions on your visit. Similar to viewing a house, you should get a feel about the nursery as soon as you walk in. Things to consider: * Is the entrance safe and secure? * Is the entrance area welcoming, with displays of children's work, parent notice boards and staff photographs. * Are you asked to sign in? The member of staff who shows you around should be knowledgeable and put you at ease. As part of your visit, you should expect: * To view all playrooms, regardless of the age of your child. * To be welcomed by all staff as you enter playrooms and a nice touch is when staff speak to your child, showing their genuine interest. * Playrooms to be calm, but not quiet - children should be engaged in a variety of learning opportunities including imaginative play, arts and crafts and physical play. * To view evidence of children's involvement such as art work and photographs. * The nursery and all resources to be visibly clean.

* To be shown children's toilets, nappy changing areas and outdoor play areas again these should be clean. * To speak to a member of the management team. * To see evidence of the curriculum in practice - planning and information documents displayed. Argyll & Bute Council: Children born between March 1, 2015 and February 29, 2016 are eligible for free Early Learning and Childcare from August 2018. Registration week will take place week beginning Monday March 5, 2018. Information leaflets will be available from early learning and childcare providers at the time of registration and parents can obtain further guidance from the Early Years helpline (01369 708503), Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll House, Alexandra Parade, Dunoon, PA23 8AJ