Every child is different: what proves a godsend for one may be a nightmare for another. At such a tender age, how do you know what will suit your child?
The options
Pre-school isn’t compulsory and for good reason. Not all parents want their child to attend a pre-school and it will not suit every child. Your child’s early years may be spent entirely at home, alternatively, you may decide that time away from home suits you both. Possibilities include a child-minder, nursery, kindergarten, crèche, pre-school, play-group and toddler groups.
Formal childcare providers will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
The cost
Fees for nurseries vary hugely, they can range anywhere from £40 per day, to almost double that! The cost is often charged at an hourly rate and tends to include meals, but each nursery is different so it’s best to phone around and ask for their specific fee break-downs before making any decisions.
Remember too that all 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 570 hours per year of free early education starting from the term after their third birthday- January, April or September. This is usually offered as 15 hours per week during terms time (38 weeks of the year.) However, to allow the entitlement to be used more flexibly, some childcare providers in some areas are able to stretch the 570 hours over more weeks of the year.
Some employers subsidise day nursery fees, so check to see if you can get help. Many parents can also get extra help with the costs of approved or registered childcare through tax credits. For more information contact HM Revenue & Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk, or phone their helpline on 0845 300 3900.
Points to consider when choosing early years care:
- Social skills and interaction with others. For some children, a pre-school is the perfect place for this, while others may get plenty of opportunities for mixing and socialising with friends and at local parent/toddler groups and classes
- Your child’s confidence with others. You may feel your child is independent enough to cope with a structured early years setting, that they would benefit from time away from you with other children, or that they are getting all they need at home..
- Check out different settings – playgroups, nurseries, pre-schools, parents and tots. Even if you are intent on keeping your child at home with you, by exploring your options you know you are making an informed decision
- Consider different educational approaches. There are lots of different schools of thought about how best to educate young children with Steiner and Montessori pre-schools focussing on child-led learning through play. Forest schools have a strong outdoors focus
- Factor in cost and practicalities such as timing and travel. If these pose a problem, speak to your health visitor or early years group, they may know ways to combat such difficulties
- Don’t be put off by what others say, or by your own distant memories of childcare! See for yourself. Visit and look at the other children; can you envisage your child being happy there?
