Choosing-the-right-nursery-for-your-child

First of all you need to be sure that nursery settings are the right choice of childcare for you. There are many other options such as nannies, child minders, family carers, playgroups etc, so look into all these options beforehand. Then you need to think about what kind of nursery you wish to trust with the care of your child. Here are some points to consider.

Do you want all staff to be highly qualified? Nurseries have to have certain amounts of qualified staff nowadays but some have more than others.

Do you want to use a small nursery or a large nursery? Some nurseries are registered for 10 children some for over an hundred.

Do you want mixed age group care or same age group care? Most nurseries are split into similar age group rooms but small nurseries may have mixed age ranges all in one room.

Do you want your child to go outside a lot? Some nurseries have no outdoor spaces but may go for walks with children daily, others hardly ever leave setting but have outdoor spaces.

What are the resources like?

What times do you need the care from? Some nurseries open earlier or shut later, a typical nursery opens from about 7.30-6.30 or anytime in between.

Where is the nursery located? Look up your local nurseries and plan how you would get there etc.

Prices- these can vary, what is included in the price e.g. nappies, food etc?

Is there a waiting list? Many nurseries are full up early on, my own child had to go on a baby room waiting list before they were even born! You can always go on the list for several nurseries before you make your choice.

Check your local nurseries against these points to get an idea of which ones you may use. What is their OFSTED report like? You can read a nurseries last report via: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report bear in mind the date of a report, some nurseries may be due another inspection soon and may not fare as well or may even improve. You want a nursery with most areas good or even outstanding, as this shows they are top quality carers.

You must always make several visits to your nurseries to decide which one you want to use and then if you like it/ how it runs. One visit may show you that you don't want to use a nursery but I would make several to ensure it is the right choice for you. Most nurseries will let you ring to arrange a visit, although I would suggest dropping into a nursery unannounced. Most should be happy to show you around, but don't despair if they are busy- this is normal and they should encourage you to come another time. If the staff are rude then you know you wouldn't like to use that nursery.

Things to look out for during your visit:
Is there a warm welcoming atmosphere? Are the children and parents happy? Are the staff happy to talk to you and answer your questions?

Are the staff involved with the children or are the stood/sat around chatting to one another?

Are the rooms laid out well? Is there evidence of activities taking place? Messy tends to be a good thing.

Is the nursery clean?

Are the toilets/ nappy changing areas open?

Is the nursery well resourced? Are the toys all broken and old or are there good resources both natural and manmade for your child?

Are all staff CRB (Criminal records Bureau) checked?

What is the management structure of the nursery? Who is in charge?

What qualifications do the staff have? Nurseries should be happy to tell you this and most staff should be level 3 or above, ideally with at least one level 4 or above and one EYP or someone working towards this level.

What food is served? Any restrictions ( many nurseries ban nuts and some other items such as egg etc to support children with severe allergies)

What adaptations can be made for a child with additional needs e.g. allergies, physical problems etc. (if applicable)

Who is the Special Needs Co-Coordinator and how can they help your child? (if applicable) A good nursery would accept and support all children regardless of need if possible. A good nursery should never turn down entry to a child without at least discussing their needs and if they can meet them first.

Do the children go outside in all weather conditions (nurseries should do this but of course the correct equipment must be supplied by either nurseries or parents.)

Do the children ever leave the nursery for trips etc?

What are the policies in regards to sharing information etc? On your child?

Who is the Named person for Child Protection and what is the nursery policy on this? Most nurseries now ban mobile phones as these pose a risk to children's safety.

How does the nursery involve parents and keep them informed?

What activities do the children do and how is their development recorded? Most nurseries work towards the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and will record your child's development in their learning journeys.

The setting should allow you several shorter visits which gradually increase in time to allow you and your child to settle into nursery life. You should never be allowed to leave you child straight away all day and nursery should take key information from you such as emergency contact details, child's allergies etc. Stay and play sessions help your child to get used to the atmosphere around them but also to allow you to see how the nursery runs. If staff seem to have changed or you are not sure after this time then look for another setting. Share concerns with staff, they should always take these on board.