Standard of Care
- Registered childcare providers are regulated, inspected, and must meet minimum safety and staffing standards.
- They hold public liability insurance.
- All staff must have enhanced DBS checks and be verified as suitable for childcare.
- Maintain required practitioner-to-child ratios (e.g. max 3 children per practitioner under 2 years old).
- Work with the Barnet Early Years team to continually improve standards.
Safety
- Providers must be vetted, trained, and qualified.
- Have robust child protection policies, procedures, and insurance.
- All staff must hold paediatric first aid certification.
- Conduct regular risk assessments of premises and equipment.
Cost
- Registered childcare can be significantly cheaper.
- Financial support is only available with registered providers.
- Eligible children (9 months+) may receive ~£8,000 yearly funding.
- Parents can get 20% off fees via the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
- Universal Credit may cover up to 85% of childcare costs.