Childcare comes in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important that you pick the right nursery that suits you, your child and your family. There are so many different things to consider, but with the right amount of planning and support, picking the right nursery for your child can be an easy and fun experience.
Things to consider when trying to find a nursery:
- Is it more convenient for the nursery to be closer to your home or closer to your work?
Would pick up and drop off be easier for you if your child’s nursery is located near your home or you work? Every parent’s preference is different, and there are a few factors to consider, such as when family and friends will have to pick up your child or rush hour times and traffic getting to your child.
- What are your family and friends’ opinions?
Ultimately, the decision lies with the parents, but it can be useful to ask friends and family around the area what they have heard about the nursery and if anyone they know attends. It’s good to know what the locals think.
- Will the nursery environment work for your child and their needs?
Most nurseries will support and accommodate any needs that are thrown their way. However, some children will benefit better in a childminder environment or may need a Special Educational Needs Nursery.
What to ask when you find a nursery you like:
- Menus and mealtimes
It’s important to enquire about the food your child will be eating while at nursery. Is it fresh and prepared daily? Are the menus healthy? How does the Nursery Chef deal with allergies and dietary requirements?
- Costing and funding
You will need to think about how many hours your child will need to be at the nursery and ask the nursery provider how much the sessions cost. Prices vary on a number of factors. Some parents will be entitled to government-funded hours, depending on how much financial support they receive. To find out more, watch the video below ⬇️ https://www.tiktok.com/@cherubsnurseries/video/7267558709977419040
- Visits and virtual tours
It is important to visit a nursery and see the setting for yourself before enrolling your child for a place. Make sure you ask if they offer visits and show rounds and get one booked for when it suits you and your child.
- Daily Reports
How does the nursery communicate with you throughout the day and let you know how your child is getting on? Many nurseries use nursery management software, we use Blossom to track your child’s progress and health.
- Illness policy and ratios
It’s always good to know what illnesses are making their way around the nursery, what to do when your child is poorly, how long to keep them off and at home etc. Also, it’s good to know what happens when a staff member is off and how the nursery maintains its ratio.
What to look for at your visit/tour:
- Trained and experienced staff
Did the staff appear to be confident and know what they were doing? Don’t be afraid to ask during your visit what qualifications the staff have and how many qualified staff members are in each room.
- Busy but relaxed children who seem happy
Nobody wants to take their child to a nursery where all the children look bored with nothing to do and none of the staff interacting with them. Look at the children when you visit the nursery and make sure they are busy with lots of activities and resources around them
- Safe and clean premises
Children wander everywhere and put everything into their mouths, so it’s important that the nursery is clean and safe. Do the doors have number locks on? Do you need a key card to get into the building? Are the premises outdoors secure and fenced off so nobody can get in or out? Make sure you ask the nursery manager any questions you have or any concerns.
- A welcoming and friendly atmosphere and environment
When you leave your child for long periods, you want to know that you are leaving them with nice and friendly people. Take in the vibe of the nursery when you arrive and speak to the staff to get a feel of their personality. Ask yourself when you leave, were the staff welcoming on arrival? Did you see lots of happy and smiley faces?
After the visit/virtual tour:
It is a good idea to create a checklist and list of questions to go through once you’ve had a visit to different nurseries that have caught your eye. This way, you can compare your checklist to see which one ticks the most boxes. Please see below an example checklist to get you started.
Nursery Checklist:
☑️ What was their last Ofsted rating, and what did the report say?
☑️ How were you and your child greeted at the door on arrival?
☑️ Is the nursery safe and secure?
☑️ Are the children well contained?
☑️ Were the children who were already at the nursery settled and happy?
☑️ Were the staff attentive to the children and each other?
☑️ Were the children engaging with the activities set up for them?
☑️ Were staff joining in and enjoying their work?
☑️ Are the individual needs of the children provided for?
Interested in your child joining Cherubs Nurseries?
At Cherubs Nurseries, we have developed our own blended approach to early years, building on long-trusted teaching methods, the latest research, our own experience as an established day nursery and childcare provider and the voices of our people and the families of the children we care for. When developing our approach and curriculum, we have taken advice from experts and built a hugely experienced education team in-house who have led the development and successful implementation of our learning approach and curriculum.
Our blended approach brings together four main schools of thought: Montessori, Hygge, Reggio and Forest School. These influence all areas of our childcare services, including the environment, the structure of the nursery day and how our Educators provide purposeful learning and development for the children. This approach is underpinned by the embedded belief that each child is individual and unique and should be treated as such. By placing the children at the centre of everything we do, our expertly trained and knowledgeable Educators carefully follow each child’s interests and encourage them to lead their own play, inspired by the world around them. When appropriate, our Educators will scaffold around play to create structure and extend learning. This ensures the highest quality of early years practice, provision, and successful outcomes for all children. We want to help you find a nursery that meets all of your requirements.
To book a nursery tour and to find out more, call us on 0330 0553373 or email enquiries@cherubsnurseries.com
