Childcare in Schools

Out of School Child Care at Lambton Primary
The school has a flourishing breakfast and after school club that operate during term times. These clubs are staffed by school staff and take place in the old nursery building. The cost of child care is £2 per hour. Further details of these clubs and booking procedures are available in school.

Choosing childcare and early education is a big step for you and your child.

There are lots of differences between different types of childcare, early education or pre-school services and also between individual childminders, nurseries, nursery classes or out of school clubs. Try and give yourself enough time to visit several possible options in your area to get a good idea of what could suit your child. Don’t forget you are the expert on your child and should trust your feelings.

It can be a good idea to take your child with you to see how staff talk to him or her. Try to go when children are there so you can see if they are calm, happy and busy. Here are some suggested questions to ask when you visit. Add your own questions as well:

How long have you been working with children?
Have you undertaken any training for your job? Any qualifications?
Do you enjoy being with children and why?
Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space? If there is no outside playspace – how will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside
Where will my child rest?
What kind of food and drink will you give?
What will my child do all day?
How do you encourage good behaviour?
Will my child be with a regular group of children? How old are they? How will their timetable fit in with my child?
How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?


Top ten quality pointers
When you visit possible childcare options, look for these quality pointers. You could add your own as well.

Are the children calm, safe and happy?
Do children play and talk together?
Are the staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
Are the staff friendly and proud of their work?
Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?
Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these themselves?
Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
Is the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

If there are other things you want to know, do not be afraid to ask. Good childcare staff expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.

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