What to Look for When Choosing A Nursery

The early years of a child's life are always said to be the most crucial, for so many reasons.

During this time, their brains are rapidly developing and absorbing everything around them. They are incredibly receptive to new experiences and opportunities to learn, and it's also the time when they start to develop a sense of self, learn how to regulate their emotions, and develop social skills.

As a result, choosing the right nursery for your child is a hugely important decision. With so many different options available, it can be really challenging to decide which one will provide the best care and education for your little one. Every child is so unique, with different needs and requirements- most of the time, a child's experience at nursery is the first time when they will be exposed to any environment other than their home, so it's important to choose somewhere that they feel safe and secure, but also able to come out of their comfort zone, and confidently thrive.

Your requirements for a nursery will change depending on so many different factors, but here are a few pointers which will help you to ask the right questions when doing your research.

1. Location and Accessibility

The location of the nursery is a huge factor to consider- take into account the traffic in the area at peak times, and also whether it's easily accessible for you to get to the places you need to go while they'll be in childcare. For example, is it near a station if you need to get the train into work? Is it in a heavily congested area that may impact your journey times each day? Do you have other school drop offs to do at the same time? Ideally, you want a nursery that is conveniently located and easy to get to. Additionally, consider the surrounding area and whether it is safe and suitable for children.

2. Quality of Care

The quality of care is essential to ensure that your child receives the best possible experience at the nursery, and feels comfortable to spend a few hours in each day. Look for a nursery that is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your child. Check for any certifications or accreditations, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in the UK, which ensures that nurseries meet certain standards of care and education. In particular, make sure the ethos and principles of the nursery are aligned to your views, as ultimately you will need to trust leaving your child under their care for a significant part of the day.

3. Staff Qualifications and Experience

The staff at the nursery will ultimately be responsible for the care and education of your child, so it's imperative to ensure that they are well qualified and experienced. Look for a nursery with a team of qualified professionals, who have relevant training and experience working with young children. Check if the staff receive regular training and professional development to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques and safety procedures. When you visit the nursery, you may be able to oversee some of the staff and meet with the particular staff members who will be looking after your child.

4. Facilities and Equipment

The nursery's facilities and equipment play a significant role in your child's overall experience. Look for a nursery that has well-maintained, safe and clean facilities, including outdoor play areas, classrooms, and restrooms. Also, check if they have age-appropriate toys, books, and other equipment that will engage your child and support their learning and development.

Keep in mind activities that your child particularly enjoys, and what their personality is like. Are there facilities which will support their development in a way you think is best for them and allows them to thrive?

5. Curriculum and Teaching Approach

If your child is still very young, education and curriculum may not be your first requirement, but it's something to consider as they get older and start to show an interest in wider topics and learning. The curriculum and teaching approach used by the nursery will heavily impact your child's learning and development, their concentration levels and also the way in which they approach their transition to primary school. Look for a nursery that has a well-planned and structured curriculum that meets your child's needs and interests. Ask about the teaching approach used by the nursery, whether it's play-based, Montessori, or another philosophy. You may also want to consider any extra curricular options offered by the nursery.

6. Parental Involvement and Communication

Parental involvement and communication are crucial to a successful nursery experience and transition for both you and your child. In most cases, you will have spent all your time with the baby up until this point, so it's only natural that you would want to be kept informed about their day and what they do, particularly if your child is still young and has naps and milk feeds during the day. Look for a nursery that values and encourages parental involvement, whether it's through regular updates, parent-teacher meetings, or volunteer opportunities (some nurseries have specific days where parents can come in to volunteer). Also, ask about the communication channels used by the nursery, such as newsletters, emails, or mobile apps.

7. Other Things to Consider...

Here are some more questions you may want to ask when looking for a nursery:

• Does the cost fit within your budget?
• Is the nursery a term time only nursery or all year around? This may impact you if you are going back to work or if you have other children and want to coincide school holidays.
• Are the staff welcoming and passionate about the nursery?
• What is the settling in process like?
• How flexible can they be with swapping days/timings? If you have irregular work hours or need to extend days at short notice, this is a useful feature.
• Consider the daily timetable, how structured is it?
• Does the nursery have planned times for rest and activity?
• Are meals, snacks and nappies provided?
• What are mealtimes like at the nursery? Look for healthy options, variety, and freshly prepared food.
• Find out if you can speak to any past parents about their experiences at the nursery.
• Lastly, consider the size of the nursery- would you prefer a small, intimate environment for your little one, or a bigger, livelier nursery?

At the end of the day, remember that there will never be one nursery or type of nursery that will be suitable for everyone. You know your child best, what they enjoy, and what helps them thrive. Most importantly, it has to be somewhere where you can fully trust that they will be nurtured, looked after, and given the tools they need to develop confidently and happily.

I hope this has been a useful guide for you if you're searching for a nursery for your child or plan to look for one in the near future! If you liked this post, please feel free to share it with others so that more people can feel confident in finding a nursery that works for both them and their children.