Top tips on choosing a nursery for your child

Choosing a nursery for your child is a difficult process. For most parents, it is the first time they will have had any separation from their child and the list of questions can feel long and overwhelming. Whilst it’s not uncommon for parents to have at least a short-list of potential nurseries in mind when their children are very young, we have compiled a list of questions and top tips for you to consider asking the nursery, or pre-schools that you visit.

What age do they take children from? Some nurseries take babies as young as six weeks, whereas others start in the school term when they turn 3. Be mindful of when you might want your child to start at nursery and look for age-appropriate ones
What is the staff to child ratio? There are minimum legal requirements and Ofsted regulations to adhere to, but some childcare provisions increase the staff to child ratio. So if you’re looking for a more one-to-one experience, be sure to ask what their ratios are.
The hours of operation. This can vary considerably. If your child is starting because you’re returning to work, the early morning drop off is key. If they start at 8 or 8:30 am, find out if is there a breakfast club they can go to from 7:30 am. What time of day do they finish? If it’s earlier than you would like, ask if there is a stay-later option. Also, be sure to ask about late fees, some nurseries charge every minute you are late for pick-up.
What meals are provided? Do you have to provide snacks and meals? How many meals a day do they offer? Are they hot or cold dishes? Do they provide milk to drink? Are they happy for you to send in milk formula, and in what format (pre-mix, or powder). Nursery mealtimes are integral to the ongoing health of your child; ensuring that they are receiving healthy, nutritious food.
How do they arrange sleep and naptime at the nursery? Similarly to food, sleep and nap times are essential for the wellbeing of your child and family. Ask to see the sleeping arrangements, and find out how much they’re willing to adapt according to your child’s needs. Will the room be pitch dark? Will there be noise? Are they allowed to bring a comforter and/or their own blankets? Every nursery has a daily routine, find out how your child’s sleep will fit into it, and what happens if it doesn’t.
How much do they foster independent vs guided play? Independent play is important for babies, toddlers and young children, but guided play and interaction are also essential for development. Find out the daily timetable of activities and ensure that it’s a blend of what you wish for.
How does the nursery manage behaviour? As babies grow into toddlers, behaviour management will be integral to your child’s development and growth. Find out the policies that the nursery has in place to ensure it is aligned with your values, and so if needs be, you can follow through and implement the same actions at home so that your child has some consistency. This could include ‘time out’, quiet corners or thinking clouds.
What is the outdoor to indoor play ratio? How much time do the children spend outside at the nursery? Is there an outdoor space that you’re happy with there? What toys, climbing frames or activities are possible? Children thrive being outdoors, and it helps to keep nursery bugs at bay with fresh air and exercise – even if they are just crawling.
What is the nursery’s sickness policy? In light of covid-19, nurseries have taken a different approach to sickness in babies and children. Find out what their process is if your child becomes unwell during the day, and what isolation periods are required for common bugs such as colds, norovirus, chickenpox.
Cleanliness of the space. When visiting the nursery, assess the cleanliness of the nursery and surrounding area. Whilst some mess is expected where the children play, the overall impression should be of clean, well-kept and maintained spaces.
How does the nursery involve the parents and community? Do they run socials? Is there a WhatsApp group that you can join? It’s incredibly useful to have contact with other parents within the same setting to ask questions and feel supported when joining somewhere new.
Do they use any apps to keep you up to date with your child’s day? Many settings upload images, videos, short diaries of activities, what they have eaten and sleeping times. If they don’t, but you would like to be kept informed of your child’s activities, ask what they can provide to you.

In addition to the above, it goes without saying that you should check the qualifications held by the key staff within the nursery, and what training is in place for staff who may be more junior.

Every nursery and childcare setting should provide a settling-in period, which could last anything from a few days to weeks. These periods of time tend to start with small visits with parents for 1-2 hours, building up to a half or full-day independently without parental involvement. Children take different amounts of time to settle into new environments, and the age of your child will be factored into this decision.

Finally, when visiting a nursery and childcare environment, listen to your instincts. Parental instincts are very powerful, and you will know what is right for your child.