Making that first step

Top tips for choosing your child’s nursery

Choosing a nursery for your child may seem like quite a daunting decision – after all, aren’t these early years some of the most important for a child’s development? What if you don’t choose the right one?

To make the process a bit easier, we’ve put together a few things you may want to consider when making this decision:

1. Research and visit. Begin by seeking recommendations from friends and family around you, then consult the internet. A quick google search can reveal what’s in your area, and online forums and reviews are helpful to look at too. Nursery tours and visits are absolutely vital later on in the process to help you get a real feel for a place.

2. Prioritise safety. If possible, familiarise yourself with the nursery’s safety standards. For example, you can check for things such as secure gates, safe outdoor play areas and availability of first aid. Ask about their emergency procedures, too.

3. Look at staff credentials. Have a look at the staff’s qualifications and experience, as well as the staff-to-child ratio. A lower ratio typically means more individualised attention for your child.

4. Look at the curriculum. Nurseries often have very different educational philosophies - is it a playbased learning model? Structured? Montessori? Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your personal desires and aspirations for your child.

5. Do you like the environment? A nursery’s environment should be vibrant, clean and stimulating. If you can, on a visit, pay attention to the quality and variety of toys, books and resources available to the children. Do the staff seem attentive and welcoming? Do the other children there seem happy? Making sure there is outdoor space for the children is also absolutely essential – there should be some open space for them to explore and play with age-appropriate play equipment.

6. Have a look at the social development opportunities available. Children in the nursery should be encouraged to build relationships, communicate and collaborate with their peers. Check if the nursery encourages things like group activities, story sessions or group play, as well as how they manage conflicts between children.

7. How flexible are they? Life can be unpredictable, especially if you’re a working parent. Make sure to look into whether the nursery offers flexible pickup and drop-off hours, or whether the opening hours align with your typical daily schedule.

8. Gauge how much parents are involved. Regular feedback from a nursery is essential for being able to keep track of and understand your child’s progress. So, ensure the nursery offers parentteacher meetings and provides updates on your child’s developments (many nurseries now do so via an app).

9. Consider dietary requirements. Make sure that they are able to accommodate your child’s needs and check the quality of meals provided by the nursery.

10. Trust your instincts. Lastly, but most importantly, trust your gut feeling when it comes to a nursery. If something feels off or you’re not entirely comfortable, it might be worth considering another option. Only you know what is truly best for your child.

Overall, choosing the right nursery requires a blend of research, observation and intuition. It’s essential to prioritise your child’s safety and ensure that their first experience with education is both enjoyable and enriching. Remember, the right nursery can set a positive tone for your child’s lifelong learning journey. Make it count!

EMILY PARSONS Co-Editor