Whats best for your child AND you (Playgroups & Preschool in general)

Member Name: finnsmummy

Product:	Playgroups & Preschool in general
Date:	03/05/09 (64 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: childcare if you need to work or have time at home

Disadvantages: leaving a child

I am myself an early year's practitioner in a family run preschool on the isle of Wight.
We are fully ofsted and always meet a high standard in child care which reflects in all of our reports.
This is my view and reflection of childcare I have witnessed and also been involved in.
Our number one rule in the setting is a child is an individual they have there own rights and views and this must always be obtained.
In fact all settings should up hold to this, no matter a child's race, sexuality or greed.

The main thing to look for in a good preschool would be weather all requirements of children are met at all times, you must feel the setting is welcoming to you and your child as they must be there for the parents as well as the children.
An important aspect to have is good communication with parents/grandparents/carers and other family members if you do not feel comfortable with the staff members how will your children learn to.
You must rember that we are not there to judge you as parents we are there to help and support your child in there early years.
Preschools should be registered with ofsted and you can obtain the reports from the setting at request or ask for there ofsted number and find the report at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
It is important you know what setting is right for your child and a good preschool will allow you to visit with your child or just yourself.
Staff should be approachable to questions and don't be afraid to ask , good staff members should be able to assist or be able to pass you on to a supervisor or manager if they are not completely sure on how to answer any questions you may have.
At the end of the day you are paying for a quality of service and you ,the parent and child should receive a high quality at all times.
If you are not happy with the way your child has been treated or have any concerns always tell the manager, voice your concerns as a good setting will do its upmost to sort out any situation or concern you may have.

Contrary to popular belief a preschool is not a playschool we follow strict government guidelines on the early years teaching of children and this now includes the new(ish)
E.Y.F.S ( Early Years Foundation Stage).
More information on this can be found at http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/.
Children learn through play and a stetting must provide as much encouragement as possible.

A preschool should be a happy relaxing environment for any child with a vast range of activities, equipment it should provide (where possible)
An indoor and outdoor area for play and rest.
Also clean and safe bathrooms that's are supervised at all times ,quite areas , a range of books and visuals , a 'messy' play area or means to allow this , numeracy equipment or area , a home play area or means to allow this are just a few things all preschool setting should have.

When looking round a preschool ask if they have ties with the local schools witch your child may attend do they visit? Or do they teachers come and visit the children?
Do they make use of local faculties such as rhyme times ,library's do they visit the local parks ,shops and do they visitors come in such as police people or firemen.
Also make sure all staff have there current up to date C.R.B checks this makes sure they have no convictions that may affect if they should be working with or around children.

To sum up ,in all make sure you as a family are happy with the setting you chose and don't be afraid to look else wear ,after all you and your child are the most important people.
I hope this has been useful to you and if you have any questions or feel I have left anything out please do ask I would be happy to answer.

Summary: preschool are great as long as you can trust the staff and the setting if your not sure ask question