Wimbledon Park Montessori

"I think it's very very important to moms and dads to consult with a college ahead of time, to see it functioning, " claims Clare Collins, key of Wimbledon Park, just who joined up with the school as a teacher in 1992 and became its head in 2000.

"You need to see what the behavior is similar to, exactly what the sound degree is like and perhaps the kids look activated and included or perhaps plain bored.

"Even before that, definitely, moms and dads need to work out exactly what type of childcare they truly are after. Will they be searching for 7am to 7pm day-care, where in fact the children are simply taken care of through the entire course of the day time, or do they wish to provide kids with educational stimulation, plus the opportunity to socialise due to their contemporaries?

"exactly what usually takes place is moms and dads go after the initial alternative whenever their children are tiny, but then realise that at two-and-a-half years old, those kids require one thing even more." Simply put, a nursery college. If that's the case, the first step is to look for down what's readily available, both near home and maybe also near work. Next, you ought to weed out of the worst by taking a look at the latest Ofsted reports for each institution (

Over which, word of mouth can fill out the spaces, and according to Hayley Doyle of National Day Nurseries Association, you really need to ask to talk to moms and dads whoever young ones already attend the college.

"Find out whatever you can, " she recommends. "Ask the way the college manages if a kid becomes upset or gets sick. Ask in the event that staff are actually capable and confident, or just have the right qualifications." Talking about which, the minimal requirement is 50 per cent of staff at a nursery college need an NVQ degree Two in Child Care, though numerous schools get a lot further. (At Wimbledon Park, all teachers have actually a Montessori diploma, which is the same in principle as amount Four.)

There are a few 15, 600 nursery schools within the UK, that 78 per cent tend to be private (average fees £1, 000 per 11-week term). Consequently, there clearly was tremendous competitors for places at free, state-run nursery schools. If you can't get your kid into a nearby expert nursery, you may be capable of getting assist to get personal; this really is compliment of Government legislation which gives rebate on costs for all parents of three- and four-year-olds, no matter earnings (you spend roughly 65 % therefore the college invoices the neighborhood training expert the sleep).

But, even if the economic figures as well as the teaching diplomas do mount up, it's the quality of teaching that is the vital element. And a current BBC1 Whistleblower programme discovered that staff at some nurseries weren't only unqualified, but, worst of most, uninterested.

"It is important not just that you love the teachers but that you trust their capacity to inspire, " claims Clare Collins. "After all, these are individuals to that you are entrusting the absolute most valuable part of your daily life."

Ticking the cardboard boxes

Six points to consider whenever choosing nursery take care of your youngster:

How long?

• Would you like your youngster is passively taken care of all day long (childminder, day care), or definitely stimulated (nursery college) for half everyday?

Near or far?

• If you've got a job, would it not be better for the childcare provision is near in which you work, or your geographical area?

Ofsted licensed and accepted?

Do you know the staff like?

• Lively? Using the right skills? (require part and verse, and if they've already been checked for a police record.)