Nursery questions and red flags

the program having cameras in the room is always a plus, it just keeps everyone accountable. I’d ask about: how many students per teacher, and what the daily routine looks like, how they keep everyone’s personal items organized, and how accidents in the classroom are handled by staff (babies bump their heads all the time). It might also be good to check and see how they handle ill students; if fevers are sent home for 24-48 hours until fever free and such.

Ask about their ratios, staff turn over, their illness policy and their policies when administering medication etc

How long have the staff been there - it’s always a good indicator of how happy they are and how well the place is run

Is there a high turnover of children? Do people tend to take them out of their classes before they get to school age? Or do they generally stay until school

Are there displays of the kids’ artwork/work around the rooms.. I always thought that was sweet when you could see how well the creativity and work was celebrated

How do they keep in touch - diary / app? What info do you get- nappies, changes, food, naps, and is it in real time or is it one upload at the end of the day

Do they change nappies as and when needed? Or is it set times a day?

What do you need to supply- nappies/milk/food? Or is everything provided

What are the touchpoints for development growth.. do they keep a record of achievement / journal of your child’s journey

What’s their outdoor space like & how much garden time do they get per day? (I thought that was really important!)

Hope that helps!

To be honest, i’d look at reviews more than anything! They will put on a massive show to all prospective clients

If possible AVOID AVOID AVOID getting little one in for Mondays. The UK love a bank holiday and you'll end up paying for nothing. Try middays.

Speak to other parents, it'll give you the best idea of everything

Yeah that’s a good starting point as Sophia says- I put a note on the local Facebook group and asked for real life recommendations! They’re much more telling than marketing material! 😃

But then of course when you go to meet the nursery/staff you still want your own questions for your own checklists.
One thing I didn’t put above, your child’s key worker - will it be them doing drop off/pick up? Who updates you? And does the keyworker work full time/part time (ie will they always be there when your child is?)

Agree avoid Mondays where possible. Reviews from others, how do you get updated on their day our nursery has an app where I know what he’s eaten, when he’s had his nappy changed, his nap and I get photos of his day then there’s observations made against the development matters. This helps as at hand over I get a quick update but it’s nice to see what he’s up to and to keep the pictures. I’d also ask about menus, how often are they changed, where is the food prepared etc.

I’d say go and view, I thought I was pretty certain on where I wanted to send mine, went to view and couldn’t wait to get out! It was awful x

And above everything go with your gut. It’s all about how you personally feel about the place and the staff. What works for one family doesn’t always work for another!

Red flags for me I’ve picked up on: no cctv, no or few first aid trained staff, heavy reliance on agency staff, outdoor shoes on where babies were crawling, no outdoor space or time outdoors, cramped, unclean/disorganised, not a lot of interaction with the children, no app or regular communication with parents… generally go with an open mind but I think you get a feel for a place. No cctv was a big no no for me.

Just observe the relationships with the children and the adults. Pick up on how many children are upset or unsettled. Look at how engaged the children are in the activities too.

I think you’ll get a gut instinct when you look round. The first nursery I looked at for my son just didn’t feel right. They said they never took the kids out anywhere and they were very clear that the children, even at only 12 months, were expected to nap on a floor mat and just put themselves to sleep. I viewed another nursery, where he’s now been for 2 years, and instantly had a much better feeling about it. When he first started at 12 months and was struggling they were happy to rock him in a pram to help him nap, they’re flexible to each individual baby’s needs which I think is really important