As parents, one of the most challenging decisions you face is entrusting your precious little ones to someone else’s care. For many of you, understandably it’s difficult enough leaving your child in the care of a family member or close friend and it can be both nerve wracking and emotional.
Blue Willow Day Nursery understands how difficult and daunting this decision can be and have gathered some tips to help you:
- Research
Childcare exists in many forms from babysitters; who are good for short unsociable hours care, childminders; who generally have a small number of children daily, nannies; who generally come to your house and nurseries who are on a larger scale. There are some good governing bodies and local authorities who oversee the childcare industry as well as a range of educational institutions providing recognised childcare courses and qualifications. Any childcare worker should be vetted with a DBS (formerly CRB check) which clears them to work with children.
Have a think about the type of environment you want to child to be in daily – it’s often a good idea to visit a few different environments when first navigating and researching childcare options.
Here at Blue Willow Day Nursery, we pride ourselves on being a home from home setting. Blue Willow started off as a childminding setting, reaching full capacity very quickly, Managing Directors Pav and Yvonne, opened their first nursery in Slough (following with Holmer Green) however it was very much based on our ethos which is ingrained throughout all the nursery – mixed age socialising, child led learning, low adult: child ratios and emphasis on outdoor learning.
2. Open Communication
Communication is key to establishing trust. When contacting your childcare provider initially either via phone call or email, discuss your child’s routine, preferences, and any special needs and ask how they will manage this. It’s important to know how the childcare provider will share your child’s day with you and communicate with you.
Having an open-door policy is very important for parents too knowing that if they have any questions, they are able to speak to the childcare provider.
At Blue Willow Day Nursery in both Holmer Green and Slough, we use an online app to message parents and upload pictures, this shows a snapshot what your little one has done daily and is great for parents to check in with how their little one is doing.
3.Visit the environment. 
It’s important to visit the childcare environment with your little one to see if it’s the best fit and talk to some of the staff there. Seeing how they interact with other children and seeing where your child will spend their time can help ease your concerns and allow you to ask any questions you may have.
Some additional questions to ask could be:
- How long have you worked in childcare?
- What is the adult child ratio you adhere to?
- Who will be caring for my child and how will this change?
- What happens if my child has an accident?
Here at Blue Willow Day Nursery, we are here to support you in every step in your childcare journey.
Blue Willow Holmer Green provides childcare for the community and is accessible to the wider surrounding areas of Hazlemere, Wider End, Little Kingshill, Great Kingshill, Little Missenden, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe.
For more information call us on 01494 490230
Blue Willow Bath Road in Slough provides childcare in the heart of Slough and is accessible to the wider surrounding areas of Stoke Poges, Langley, Windsor, Burnham and Cippenham.
For more information call us on 01753 517505
