When parents receive their form, they should check that the information on it is correct, sign it, and send it off. When the vouchers arrive, parents are advised to take them to the pre-school – either the local primary, a nursery or play group – they want their child to attend. The sooner that they do this, the more sure they can be of getting the place they want.Nursery dataOfsted will be inspecting all establishments accepted under the Voucher scheme in their first year of operation Most nursery schools will record “some weaknesses”. But parents should be concerned if a nursery scores “many weaknesses”. The reports will be published and available from the school or on the Internet on http:// www.open.gov.uk/ ofsted/ofsted.htmThe learning areas are as follows:Language and literacyMathematicsPersonal and social developmentKnowledge and understanding of the worldPhysical developmentCreative development. Q My child qualifies for a nursery voucher soon How do I choose the best start for her?
A Look around several nurseries, and go for a full session. Don’t take your child on the first visit, unless you are sure she will not distract you.
If you like the nursery, bring your child and assess her reaction. Ask other parents for their opinions, but remember their children may have quite different needs from your own.
Q What should the building be like?A Safe, warm and inviting Children’s work should be prominently displayed. Tables, equipment and lavatories at child-level encourage independence, as do pictures on the cupboards to show where toys are kept. It should be well ventilated and not smelly, but remember that nursery children have occasional accidents and an unpleasant odour may be just temporary There should be a secure outdoor play area.Q What about the children?A. The worst sign is silence – happy four-year-olds make a busy hum But children should not be over-excited. Friendly relationships (excluding the occasional tiff) help learning. Check whether special-needs children are given extra support.
This benefits everyone in the nursery by freeing up existing staff. If the nursery takes babies and toddlers, do they have some separate provision? Their needs are different from those of other children.Q And the staff?A. Are they talking to each other, or the children? Look for workers who genuinely like children (Some nurseries have those who do not). The staff should be practically dressed, but not untidy.State nursery schools and classes are taught by trained teachers and NNEBs. But the ratio of staff to children can range from 1:10 to 1:13 Check that the teacher has had “early years” training.
Beware! If your four-year-old is called a “rising five” and offered a place in a reception class, you may find she is in a group of 30, taught by one over-stretched teacher.In the private sector, staff ratios are better, (one adult to six or eight children) but ask about qualifications Most will be NNEBs or NVQs. If more than half of the staff are unqualified, do you really want to leave your child with them?Ask about staff turnover Stability is crucial. It helps your child settle if one adult is her “key-worker”.Q Are the play facilities important?A Yes, very. There should be well-organised areas around the room (science corner, home corner, book corner, construction corner etc.) Do the toys reflect ethnic diversity and are they used in a non-sexist way? Facilities should adapt to independent and adult-led work A carpeted floor (except for messy areas) saves clatter.Q Do nurseries have a curriculum?A. All nurseries accepted under the voucher scheme must work towards six learning goals Work plans should be displayed where parents can see them If you do not understand, ask. Make sure that “science” does not just mean messing about alone in the sand.
