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?

back to top

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?

back to top

 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?

back to top