Daycare is a necessary option for many working mums. If you are leaving your child in the best possible care, how do you know if you have found the perfect daycare for your child? Here are six warning signs to look out for:
Vague or Undocumented Policies
The centre should prominently display its certificate of registration with the Care Inspectorate with a copy of its recent inspection report (Also can be found online). A good nursery will be registered with SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council.)
Your daycare centre should have clear written policies about discipline, your child’s goals, and the centre’s objectives, which should be reviewed with you before you commit. If these policies aren't written down, be cautious.
Unqualified Staff
Staff registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as support workers are expected to have, or be working towards, a relevant Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 6 qualification, equivalent to a Scottish Higher. Those registered at practitioner level are required to have, or to be working towards, a relevant SCQF level 7 qualification, while managers or lead practitioners should hold, or be working towards, a relevant SCQF level 9 qualification (degree-level).
As part of the recruitment process, staff will undergo a Disclosure Scotland criminal record check and must be a registered member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
Low Standards for Safety and Cleanliness
Make sure the building and amenities are safe for little ones. Are emergency phone numbers posted where you can easily see them? Does the staff practise fire drills? Is the playground secure from strangers? While this may seem obvious, safety should be a top priority for the centre. If the staff don’t know emergency procedures or if access to the centre is not correctly managed, it might not be the right place for your child. You need to be able to trust them with your child’s safety.
Cleanliness is also very important. Staff should encourage hand-washing, and toys and surfaces should be cleaned regularly. You don’t want your child to get sick due to unclean conditions at daycare.
Not Listening to Your Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's care, it’s best to speak directly with the staff and manager at the centre. If you ever feel like your concerns are being overlooked or if the staff react defensively, that could be a sign that your child's care might not be up to standard. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask questions—you’re looking out for your child’s well-being! You deserve prompt and caring responses to your inquiries.
Frequent Staff Changes/Inadequate Coverage
Frequent staff changes may indicate unhappy workers and issues with the workplace. Additionally, the centre's manager should be easily reachable for parents, staff, and children. If the manager or owner isn’t available during the day, it may signal insufficient supervision.
In Scotland, the staff-to-child ratios for early learning and childcare (ELC) settings are as follows:
- 0–2 years old: One adult for every three children
- 2–3 years old: One adult for every five children
- 3–8 years old: One adult for every eight children
- Children attending for less than four hours per day: One adult for every ten children.
Lack of Communication
Good daycare encourages parents to get involved with their child’s care. Regular family meetings with the staff help you stay connected and informed. If your centre doesn’t hold meetings or discourages your involvement, it might be time to discuss improvements with them. They should also give you regular updates on your child's progress and activities.
Additionally, check in with your child by asking about their day. Simple conversations can help you spot any issues at the centre or gauge your child's happiness.
If any of these items become a concern, make a surprise visit to your child's daycare to inspect the conditions of the facilities, the staff-to-child ratio, the cleanliness, and the staff's reaction to your visit. If you are still not happy, then it may be time to consider another daycare.
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