When choosing a pre-school service you may wish to consider the following:

Quality of Service
Premises
Equipment

Quality of Service

• Is the pre-school notified with the HSE?
• Does the service feel welcoming to both you and your child?
• Is the environment, caring, safe and friendly?
• Is there good interaction between staff and children?
• Are you asked if your child has any special or additional needs?
• Are the children properly supervised but still allowed to experience activities that are challenging and exciting?
• Are there written programmes outlining the children’s activities?
• Are an adequate number of adults available to supervise and care for the children?
• Are there enough adults to provide individual attention to your child if they need it?
• Do the staff have a good understanding about child development and working with children?
• Do the staff play with the children?
• What level of training and experience do the staff have?
• What are the staff turnover rates i.e. how long have staff been working there?
• Are you consulted about how to deal with your child should he/she become ill, distressed or angry?
• Is it clear how challenging behaviour is managed?
• Do the children interact well with other children?
• What happens if staff are ill or on holidays and who replaces them?
• Is there a respectful approach towards diversity, where each child’s individuality and sense of identity is valued?
• Is there a policy on child protection?
• Are you allowed access at any time to the premises to see you child?
• Is there a suitable, nutritious varied menu available where the service provides food?
• Can special dietary needs to be catered for?
• Are you happy with the arrangements in place for feeding you child?

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Premises

• Are the premises well maintained, clean and hygienic, bright and well ventilated?
• Are the premises safe and secure?
• Are there appropriate fire safety and child safety measures in place?
• Is there adequate space to ensure comfort in rest and play?
• Is there a quiet area if your child wants to relax?
• Is there space for children to play inside and outside?
• Is the outdoor play area secure and hazard free?
• Are the play areas bright and cheerful?
• Are adequate facilities provided for the safe and hygienic preparation and storage of food?
• Are the kitchen facilities clean, hygienic with suitable wash-up, hand-washing and sterilising facilities?
• Is the pre-school too hot or too cold?

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 Equipment

• Does the equipment and furniture appear safe, appropriate and well maintained and clean?
• Is there plenty of equipment and resources available for the children?
• Are the toys, equipment and activities suitable for the different age groups?

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