There are different types of provisions suitable for children aged 0-8 years. Each provision provides the children with different types of care. Parents and careers choose the most suitable provision for their children.
Private provision
This provision is paid for and is usually expensive. Most private provisions do wear uniform. Examples of private provision are: Child minders, pre schools, Nurseries Nannies, Playgroups, Crèches and Holiday play scheme. The main purpose of this provision is to give good self-actualization.
Advantages:
- Build strong relationships.
- Meets needs of working parents.
- Develop independence and social skills
- Child can stay at home and have individual attention.
Disadvantages
- Lack of relationship with parents.
- Lack of play opportunities
- Expensive
- Children may find it difficult to socialize with strangers and other children
- Parents have no control over what the children are doing in the provision.
Informal provision
It is normally free of charge or very cheap. Your family and friends looking after your child for free is informal provision. Examples of informal provision are: After school clubs, Babysitters, after school care. The main purpose of this provision is for basic physical needs and for safety and security needs.
Advantages
- Cheap
- Parents have time to themselves
- Prepares children for compulsory education
- Provides regular care for children
- Children can have help with homework.
Disadvantages
- Inexperienced care workers
- Children may not always be at their own homes.
Statutory provision
This is compulsory education so unless your child is going to a private provision they will have to go to a statutory provision. This is free education. Examples of statutory provision are: Reception classes, Family centers, Primary schools, Nursery schools. The main purpose of this provision is to achieve full education potential and for self esteem needs.
Advantages:
- Values the social development
- Opportunity to socialize with other children.
- Located in appropriate areas.
Disadvantages:
- Workers may not be qualified
- Do not meet the need of working parents
- In some statutory provisions children form very strong bonds with parents and therefore when going to compulsory education children may get upset.
- Some statutory provision does not come under the regulations of the Children Act. E.g. Crèches
Voluntary provision
Held by volunteers and is usually for younger children than older. It is free and does include some sort of education but not as much as some of the other provisions. Examples of voluntary provisions are: Parent and toddler group, Crèche, Playgroups and Holiday play scheme. The main purpose of this provision is fro love and emotional needs as well as safety and security needs.
Advantages:
- Values social development
- Opportunity to socialize with other children
- Located at appropriate areas
Disadvantages:
- Unqualified staff
- Do not meet the needs of the working parents
- Some voluntary provisions do not come under the regulations of the children act
