[New] Inside tips to help choose the right nursery setting

Families asked The Roche School to share their inside knowledge:

When choosing the right educational setting for your child, your journey starts with initial enquiries. The first words you exchange (I always recommend a telephone call as staff set the standard for communication and flexibility) forge the way for a blossoming relationship that can last for years. Children crave stability so, to get it right, you need to consider your child’s needs and temperament.

A strong provision understands from the get-go that a family has its own unique circumstances and needs, so do not feel pressured to fit a specific mould.

Word-of-mouth offers valuable insight but try not to follow the crowd—go with your gut. If you are influenced by someone else’s recommendation, their expectations and parenting style should be akin to yours.

In a nutshell:

• Start your search early. It takes time to view more than one setting so plan this into your schedule. Make a shortlist of schools whose ethos aligns with yours. Core values underpin any education.

• Visit the school when in session— open days are great to gain a wider picture but ask for an individual tour when the setting is in action for a more in-depth dive.

• Look out for staff interactions and quality dialogue. If children seem oblivious to tours this can be a sign that they are engrossed and feel safe.

• Be confident and ask what the children are learning —questions are a positive in our book!

• Whilst proximity to a setting is helpful, also consider those that are further away if that suits your child best; a happy child in a perfect environment is worth the extra travel.

• The responsibility of choosing a school may be yours but take your child along if you can and observe how they react to the environment and staff.

You will simply know when you find the right one; it will feel like a home from home—your child may not even want to leave!

To visit The Roche Nursery School, please contact 020 8877 0823 or admissions@therocheschool.com

To visit Keswick House Nursery, please contact 020 8704 4857.

Little People Montessori

Isn’t it lovely when children simply love their nursery? Hear what parents of a 13-month-old said about Little People Montessori: “Our boy arrives at nursery every morning literally kicking his legs with excitement and shrieking with joy as we carry him through the front gate! He doesn’t even look back as we walk out of the door.”

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Little People Nurseries have been offering loving childcare since 1978 in Fulham, Shepherds Bush and Hampton. They take children from 3 months to 5 years.