5 things to consider when choosing a Nursery or Preschool

Choosing a nursery is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know what to look for or which questions to ask when visiting a nursery.

Every family is different, and there's no single "right" choice. However, asking the right questions and knowing what to look out for can help you find a nursery where both you and your child feel happy, confident and supported.

To help, we've put together 5 key things to consider when choosing a nursery, including questions to ask and what to look out for when visiting. 

1. Research local nurseries 

Look online and ask for recommendations. Do remember though that visiting in person will give you the best impression.

• Ask friends and family for recommendations, and speak to other parents in your area. Ask what it was they liked/ disliked about the setting 

• Ask on local social groups for recommendations 

• Read each nursery's latest Ofsted report

• Check their opening hours and if they work for you

• Read reviews on trusted websites such as Day Nurseries

2. Visit preferred nurseries 

Visiting different nurseries is crucial to getting a feel of what’s available and what may/ may not be as important to you. Some key things to consider and ask are: 

• What are the rooms like for the different age groups and do they have age appropriate resources and toys? 

• Do the children in the room look happy and settled? 

• Are practitioners actively engaging with the children?

• Do the staff appear friendly, calm and relaxed?

• Can children choose what they want to play with? 

• Do the indoor and outdoor environments feel safe and secure?

• Is there parking and / or space to leave buggies? 

• What opportunities do children have for outdoor play?

• Are the outdoor toys well looked after?

• How do the children get to the garden?

• What is the sleeping area like? 

• What are the kitchen and dining areas like 

• What are the toilets like and how accessible are they for the children? 

• Did the nursery make you feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed? 

3. Questions to ask during your nursery visit

During your visit, or on the phone / email prior to the visit, here are some key questions to ask: 

• What is the number of children in each room, and how many staff? 

• What age do the children move up in each room? 

• What is the transition for starting nursery or moving up rooms 

• Do you take the children out on trips - is so what kind of trips and how do you ensure the safety of the children whilst out

• How do the preschool team support children's transition to school?

• What is the SEN support like? 

• What is your illness and exclusion policy? 

4. Compare fees carefully 

While cost is naturally an important consideration for many families, it's also worth looking at exactly what's included in the fees so you can make a fair comparison between nurseries.

• What the fees include and what extras may need to be paid e.g. milk/ meals/ snacks/ wipes/ nappies/ suncream/ enrichment classes and/ or trips 

• How is the funding applied - are there any specific times/ sessions that funding can be used?

• What is the cost for unfunding hours?

• Does the nursery close at any point and do you pay during these closures 

• What happens on a bank holiday and/ or over christmas / new year 

• What funding support does your nursery accept 

5. Trust your instincts 

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what you liked about the nursery. Make sure you give yourself time to gather your thoughts and ask yourself:

• Did you enjoy your visit? 

• If you took your child, did they appear happy and relaxed?

• Did you feel happy after your visit? 

• Would you feel comfortable leaving your child at the setting? 

Choosing a nursery that works for you

Remember - choosing a nursery isn't about finding the "best" nursery; it's about finding the right nursery for your child and your family. Take your time, ask plenty of questions and don't be afraid to visit more than once before making your decision.

At Magnolia Tree Day Nursery, we understand how important this choice is. We're always happy to answer your questions, show you around our setting more than once and help you decide whether we're the right fit for your family.

There's never any pressure, just honest conversations to help you make an informed decision.