A Parent's Checklist for Comparing Creche Contracts in Dublin

Hours and attendance

Check that the contract states your child's days and hours exactly as agreed. Note the opening and closing times and any rules on late collection. If you may need more flexibility later, ask how requests for additional days or changes are handled and whether there is a waiting list.

Fees, deposits and inclusions

Look for a clear explanation of how fees are calculated and what they include, such as meals, nappies and outings. Check whether a deposit or registration fee is payable, whether it is refundable and in what circumstances. Make sure you understand when payments are due and what happens if a payment is late.

NCS and ECCE

If you plan to use the National Childcare Scheme or the ECCE free preschool programme, check how the contract deals with them. It should be clear how subsidies are applied to your bill and what happens if your NCS award changes or lapses. Ask for a sample statement if the contract does not show this.

Closures, holidays and absence

Most creches close on certain days each year, such as around Christmas and on bank holidays. Check how many closing days there are and whether fees are charged for them. Many creches charge fees when a child is absent through illness or family holidays, because the place is kept for them. Make sure you understand the policy.

Notice periods and ending the contract

Find out how much notice you must give to leave or reduce your hours, and whether the creche can end the contract and on what grounds. Notice periods vary, so compare them carefully. Note how the creche will tell you about fee increases or changes to terms, and how much notice it will give.

Policies that form part of the agreement

Contracts often refer to separate policies, such as illness and exclusion, behaviour, safeguarding, complaints and data protection. Ask for copies and read the key ones, especially the illness policy and complaints procedure, as these are the ones parents most often need.

• Illness and exclusion policy
• Complaints procedure
• Safeguarding and child protection statement
• Data protection and photo consent

Making your final decision

When you have read each contract, note any terms you are unsure about and raise them with the creche before signing. A good provider will be happy to explain its terms and should not pressure you into signing quickly. Keep a signed copy of the contract and all policies somewhere safe, and diary any key dates such as notice deadlines. Remember that the contract is only one part of the decision: the care, the people and how your child feels in the setting matter most.