There are a variety of options when it comes to arranging childcare for your children.

What suits you best depends on practical issues, such as cost, the hours that you work or study, where you live and the availability of places, as well as any personal preference that you may have for choosing a home or centre based environment for your child.

When choosing childcare it is important to take an honest look at what is best for your child’s personality and your parenting style.

Childcare is right for you if…

• You want your child to enter a stimulating environment, with qualified and professional care, that offers stability and continuity to school-going age and beyond.

• You feel that your child will enjoy taking part in a programme of activities that are appropriate to his/her own development.

• Because of work or other circumstances you need reliability every day.

• You want your childcare provider to complement rather than replace your role as parent.