FAQ's for providers

Choosing the best daycare for your family's needs is a difficult deFISion. The information below highlights the points you should consider and suggests some questions you may wish to ask a registered provider.

Legal Requirements

Are you registered with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW)?
May I see your certificate?
Do you have public liability insurance?
May I see the certificate?
What was the date of your last annual inspection by CSSIW?

Behaviour management

How will my child be disciplined?

Health and Safety

What procedures are there for medical treatment and first aid?
Do you or any of your staff have a current first aid certificate?
Do you have a medication policy if my child has to have medication?

Costs

What is the cost to attend each session?
When do I have to pay?
Will I have to pay a retention fee if my child is sick, or goes on holiday?
Will it be the full amount usually charged, or just a proportion?

Availability

What hours are you open?
Are you open term-time, holidays or all year?

Activities

What type of activities are carried out?
Are parents encouraged to help with any activities or trips?
Is there a supervised, safe outdoor play area?
Is there a quiet area for children to relax / sleep?
Do you have appropriate equipment and materials for children of all ages?

Equalities

How are children with special needs catered for?
Are boys and girls encouraged to use all the equipment?
What languages are spoken?

Food

Is food provided?
Is it nutritious and varied?
Does the food take into account different cultural backgrounds?

Staffing

What are the child to staff ratios?
What qualifications do your staff have?
What training have the staff undertaken recently?
Is there a key worker for my child?
How long have you been open?

Policies

Is there a settling in period?
Are parents encouraged to spend time to settle the child in?
Is there a policy for sharing information with parents?