HOW TO CHOOSE A CHILDCARE

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CHILDCARE FOR YOUR CHILD:

1. Take the time to explore various childcare options such as nurseries, childminders, pre-schools, playgroups to find the best fit for your child’s needs:

Visit the childcare settings in person with your child.
Observe if children are happy, engaged, and purposeful.
Check that the environment is safe, clean, welcoming, and has outdoor play areas.
Ask about daily routines, planned activities, and how your child’s needs will be incorporated.

2. Ask Key Questions:

What are the staff-to-child ratios?
How many children will share the same class with your child?
Where is the designated nap area for the children?
Where do the children eat their meals?
What qualifications and experience do staff have?
All staff members hold valid Paediatric First Aid certification?
All staff have completed Enhanced DBS checks?
Do the childminder have public liability insurance? (Public liability insurance is a legal requirement for all regulated childminders in the UK, and it protects both the provider and the families using their services).
How do they manage children’s behaviour and discipline?
Are meals, snacks, and nappies provided?
What are their safeguarding and health policies?

3. Check Quality and Standards

Staff who are caring, responsive, and make your child feel safe and loved.
Ensure the provider is registered with Ofsted and review their inspection reports.
Confirm all staff (including assistants) have appropriate qualifications, training, and paediatric first aid certification.

4. Understand Settling-In and Support

Ask about settling-in periods to help your child adjust.
Discuss how the provider communicates with parents and supports children’s development at home.

5. Know Your Entitlements

Check if you’re eligible for free childcare hours (15 or 30 hours) , Tax Free Childcare and other financial support.

By following these tips, you can confidently select a childcare provider that meets the highest standards and best supports your child’s happiness and development.

Understanding Childcare Qualification Levels:

Early Years qualifications in England are governed by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. This framework sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. It ensures that all early years providers—including nurseries, preschools, and childminders—meet specific requirements to support children's progress and keep them healthy and safe.

Entry Level & Level 1:

These are introductory courses for people just starting out in childcare. They build basic skills and knowledge about caring for children, but staff with only these qualifications will always work under supervision and are not counted as fully qualified staff in nurseries.

Level 2: Early Years Practitioner

Staff with a Level 2 qualification (like the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner) have learned the basics of child development, safety, and supporting learning for children aged 0-5.
They can work directly with children, but always under the supervision of someone with a higher qualification. This is a common starting point for people new to the sector.

Level 3: Early Years Educator

Level 3 is a more advanced qualification, similar in level to A-levels. Examples include the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator or the T Level in Education and Childcare.
Staff with Level 3 can plan and lead activities, support children’s learning and development, and sometimes supervise other staff. They are considered fully qualified in nurseries and can be counted in the staff:child ratios.

Level 4 and Level 5: Advanced Practitioner/Manager

These qualifications are for experienced staff who want to take on more responsibility, such as leading a team or managing a nursery. Examples include the Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management or a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Years.
They often manage settings, lead on curriculum planning, and support the professional development of other staff.

Level 6: Graduate and Teacher Level

Level 6 is degree-level, such as a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
These professionals have a deep understanding of child development and education. They may lead nurseries, work as teachers in reception classes, or train other staff.

Level 7: is one of the highest levels of qualification in the UK’s education and childcare system.

Professionals with Level 7 qualifications have advanced knowledge and skills in childcare, education, and management.
They are often leaders, managers, trainers, or specialists in nurseries, early years settings, or educational organisations.

Postgraduate Level 7 Diploma in Childcare Management

We’re proud to announce that Mama Bear Childcare has achieved the prestigious Childminder qualification with a Postgraduate Level 7 Diploma in Childcare Management — one of the highest credentials in the UK’s education and childcare system!

To our knowledge, we are the only childminder in the area with this advanced qualification, making us uniquely equipped to provide the highest standard of care and expertise. Your little ones will receive the best possible start in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment.

I hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate and Liability Insurance. Additionally, I have completed several complementary courses, including:
- Delivering the EYFS
- Effective Partnership Working with Fathers
- Expectations of Behavior
- Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Early Years Settings
- Pediatric First Aid Training Ofsted Compliant
- Raising Developmental Concerns with Parents
- Safeguarding Children
- Starting out- Supporting children's emotional well-being
- Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs
- Health and safety: ICT
- Music for All
- Asperger Syndrome CACHE Certificate
- Keeping children safe on the internet CACHE Certificate
- Being a Key Person in an Early Years Setting Level 2
- Improving Children's Learning Through Play Level 2
- Promoting Positive Behaviour Level 2
- Autism Awareness Level 2
- Dyslexia Awareness Level 2

Mama Bear is the place where children are happy while adults work!

When it comes to finding the right care for your little ones, it's important to focus on quality over cost.