The Child Care Conversation

Q&A

How can parents and childcare professionals work together to create better outcomes for children? 

Caroline (Nursery Owner):  

“I believe parents and childcare professionals should strive to have the same end goal and strategies. For example, if children are taught to sit at the table during mealtimes at nursery, they are more likely to do the same at home. Inconsistent boundaries can lead to challenges in both settings. Parental involvement is key, as it helps nurseries better understand each child and cater to their interests. Open communication between parents and nurseries ensures that everyone is on the same page, allowing parents to choose a nursery that aligns with their own ethos.” 

Faye (Childcare Manager): 

“The most important factor is definitely in person communication. Sharing relevant information either to the parent while under supervision of the childcare or vice versa, is vital to ensure everyone is in the loop. We are all on the same team, wanting best for everyone’s children, so working together can ensure this will happen.” 

What are your thoughts on screen time for young children? 

Caroline (Nursery Owner): 

“It is obvious that nowadays technology plays an essential role in children’s lives. However, I do think it should be limited due to its effects on the brain. For example, the blue light from screens can affect children’s capacity to learn. Outdoor play is more important than screen time. Screen time isn’t necessary for the early ages, more appropriate to introduce in the Primary phase.” 

Faye (Childcare Manager): 

“I believe screen content is more important than screen time. Everything needs to be age appropriate, educational, and of course monitored. There are so many new apps out there that can really aid children with early years learning so shouldn’t be overlooked or seen as this negative thing.  We all understand screen time should be limited, however as parents and care givers we don’t live in an ideal world, so the odd screen session to keep everyone happy is not a problem!” 

What advice would you give to parents when choosing a childcare facility? 

Caroline (Nursery Owner): 

“I would recommend thinking about what your expectations, culture values and beliefs are as we all differ in that sense, with different parenting cultures. Try to have clear expectations of what you want for your children so your choice in a nursery can mirror that.” 

Faye (Childcare Manager): 

“Visiting the setting is vital when choosing childcare to ensure your little one(s) are comfortable and more importantly you, as their parent, feel comfortable leaving them. Questions, questions, questions, you can never ask too many of them and it prevents all the worries flying through your brain. Make sure the location works for your schedule, the closer it is the less rushing around and easier to arrange last minute sessions when needed. Knowing other families who use childcare can also ease anxieties and can offer their opinions on their recommended places.”  

What advice can you offer parents to help their children transition smoothly into childcare while also easing their own anxieties about leaving them? 

Caroline (Nursery Owner): 

“Little and often - so, instead of starting with a full day at nursery, having multiple sessions is more effective particularly for working parents. Gradually building up the hours—like two hours, three times a week—helps children settle in. Also, calling the nursery to check on them is perfectly normal and coming back to collect the child if they are distressed, fosters a positive environment as separation anxiety can take its time to go.” 

Faye (Childcare Manager): 

“Allowing parents to come into the initial sessions and see how all the children have adjusted into the environment can help ease anxieties. As I mentioned previously, communication is such a big thing, so we ensure to update parents at pick up time what the children have been up to, this can help stop any worries and can reassure you that your little one is having the best time. We encourage parents to wave children off with a smile and a ‘have a nice time’ rather than ‘I’ll miss you lots’ as these positive reinforcements set the child off with a good attitude for the rest of their session.” 

What trends do you see shaping the future of childcare and parenting? 

Caroline (Nursery Owner): 

“A huge trend I’ve noticed which is shaping the future of childcare and parenting is the shift towards new educational methods such as fashion pedagogies. For example, forest schools and green open spaces have become a very popular environment for nature-based learning. Another notable trend is ‘Loose Parts’, which aims to harness children’s creativity and imagination. This is done through open-ended materials, like tubes, balls and rings which create endless opportunities for what the child can do with those items. This promotes open-ended questioning, so asking children to describe how something looks rather than focusing on one attribute like the colour. The early years are crucial for children's brain development, so it is a like trying to build a house on a foundation of sand rather than a solid foundation of concrete.” 

Faye (Childcare Manager): 

“Both parents working is a trend we are starting to see grow and I think will continue to grow as more importance is placed on careers. I think this is a wonderful thing and you should never feel guilty using childcare as it is super beneficial for children to develop their independence and social skills.” 

How can parents effectively support their child’s development at home? 

Caroline (Nursery Owner): 

“By communicating with their child's nursery key person, parents can gain valuable insights into their child's specific interests and schematic behaviours, often referred to as schemas. So, if the child is interested in things that roll or spin, they might have a rotation schema, meaning, their best way of learning is by giving them something that rolls or spins. Once parents learn what their children are interested in, they can use this to focus activities on at home.” 

Faye (Childcare Manager): 

“Lots of talking, playing, fun and just happy times. Patience, understanding, providing an abundance of opportunities. There are so many free activities at the weekend in local towns, so make sure to keep an eye out as these can be so beneficial for children’s socialising skills and even better, you’re not spending a penny.  Reading, reading and more reading!”