EDUCOMPARE EARLY YEARS KNOWLEDGE BASE

Answers to the questions parents search for.

Search practical, parent-friendly information about funding, childcare, EYFS, choosing a setting, starting nursery and preparing for school.

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12 guides matching “Choosing childcare”

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All Funding Choosing a setting Activities & learning EYFS Ofsted & quality Choosing childcare Funding & costs Starting nursery EYFS & development Preparing for school Safety & wellbeing Types of setting

How to Find the Right Nursery or Pre-school for Your Child

A practical checklist for comparing nurseries and pre-schools, from location and opening hours to staff, outdoor space and the feel of the setting.

Compare childminders and nurseries by group size, environment, routine, flexibility and the type of childcare experience they can offer.

How nursery waiting lists work, when to ask about availability and what to do if your first-choice setting is full.

Questions to ask about meals, snacks, allergies, dietary requirements and how food is handled at nursery.

How nurseries manage naps and rest, and the questions parents should ask about individual sleep routines.

A practical way to weigh distance, travel time and convenience against the quality and fit of a nursery.

Understand common nursery session patterns and the questions to ask about early starts, late finishes and holiday opening.

Questions to ask about inclusion, communication, adaptations and support for children with additional needs.

What to ask about daily updates, progress information, apps, meetings and communication with your child's key person.

The parts of nursery contracts and terms that parents should check before accepting a place.

How to think about nursery hours and days based on your family's routine, your child's needs and the setting's offer.

A practical visual checklist for parents visiting a nursery, including children, staff, spaces, routines and atmosphere.