Top 5 tips on how to choose a nursery for your child
- Caroline Curtis
- Jul 1, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 30
With over 70% of parents in England relying on some form of childcare for their 0-4 year old children [1].
Selecting the right nursery for your child is a decision that weighs heavily on many families.
It’s a big decision - how to choose the best nursery for you, your child and your family. It's a decision you need to consider carefully.
At Lucky Beans Childcare, we understand the importance of this decision and will support parents in their selection process.
In this article, we'll explore the essential aspects to consider, from what to look for when choosing a nursery, to the pivotal questions you should be asking. Knowing what you are looking for will make this process less stressful and fill you with confidence.
We’ve also included an essential nursery checklist!
Quick tip: If you're looking for the best nurseries in Norbury, Tooting, Streatham and Balham, you've come to the right place - check out your local Lucky Beans nurseries, and book to come visit!
How to choose a nursery & childcare provider in your local area
TIP 1 - Make a list
It’s never too early to start thinking about how to find a good nursery setting for your child. Many settings can get booked up months, even years in advance!
Start by making a list of all the local settings.
Considering the location of the nursery ensures it's conveniently located, either close to home, work, or family. This not only makes drop-offs and pick-ups easier but also comes in handy during any emergencies.
Search engines are the best place to start, as well as online directories such as childcare.co.uk, PACEY, parent forums, and community boards.
As a broad example, here is a helpful timeline to guide you through the process of finding and securing a childcare setting:
12 Months Before (or as early as possible!)
Start researching: Begin looking into the different types of childcare available (nurseries, childminders, nannies, pre-schools).
Talk to other parents: Get recommendations from friends, family, or local parenting groups.
Make a shortlist: Compile a list of 4–6 potential childcare providers and nursery settings that fit your needs (location, hours, philosophy, cost).
6–9 Months Before
Contact your shortlisted settings: Enquire about availability, fees, waiting lists, and the application process.
Book visits/tours: Schedule visits to each setting to see the environment, meet the staff, and ask questions.
Consider your child’s needs: Note things like routines, allergies, developmental delays, or language support that you’ll want to discuss.
4–6 Months Before
Make your choice: Decide on your top choice (and ideally a backup).
Secure a place: Submit any required application forms or deposits to secure your child’s place.
Begin paperwork: Start completing enrolment forms, consent forms, and medical information.
2–3 Months Before
Check in with the setting: Confirm your place and ask if there’s anything else they need from you.
Arrange settling-in sessions: Most settings offer ‘settling in’ days or gradual starts — ask about these and book them in for your child.
Prepare your child emotionally: Talk about the upcoming change in positive ways, read books about nursery or childcare, and visit the location if possible.
1 Week Before
Confirm all documents are complete: Ensure forms are submitted and signed.
Set up payments: Whether it’s direct debit, childcare vouchers, or Tax-Free Childcare — make sure everything is in place.
Share key information: Remind the staff of any allergies, special needs, or family updates.
Label belongings: Prepare and label clothes, bottles, comforters, nappies, etc.
Ongoing
Keep in touch: Regular communication with your childcare provider helps ensure your child’s needs are being met and allows for any adjustments.
TIP 2 - Reviews & recommendations
Platforms and search engines, such as Google and childcare.co.uk, often provide insightful reviews and ratings - giving you a quick glimpse of finding a good nursery.
Check out our Google reviews
Reach out to other parents in your community, baby groups/classes, and health professionals who can offer personal recommendations.
Talking to someone who has used childcare and nursery provisions in the past will provide you with a great sense of how the settings are run, what the communication is like, and how their children settled in and their progress.
TIP 3 - Visit the settings
Contact the childcare/nurseries and book a visit.
Visiting potential nurseries is a crucial step in choosing a nursery.
But what exactly should you look for during these visits?
Take the time to look at:
The cleanliness of all areas, including the main rooms, outside, toilets, and the kitchen, if you are able to.
The safety measures around the settings; are the doors and gates open/closed/locked? Can the children easily access resources?
The overall atmosphere; are the children engaged in their activities/playing? How do the staff interact with the children? Is the environment stimulating and well-organised? Is it calm or chaos?
Not only will these observations help you identify whether a nursery aligns with your expectations and values, but they will also give you a sense of ease when it comes to your child settling in; will they be nurtured and cared for as you care for your child?
During the visit, why not ask the setting to go through what their day normally looks like and the routines they have in place?
You can take a look at an example ‘day in the life’ at Lucky Beans Childcare in our previous blog, where we discuss what your child will learn at nursery.
It’s also a good idea to take your child with you during visits; you’ll get a lot of feedback from your child.
How are they behaving and what’s their body language telling you? (Are they clinging to you or do they want to explore?)
How did the staff greet your child? Do they talk to your child (and other children) kneeling down to their level?
Are there activities and resources available that your child would enjoy?
TIP 4 - Compare the settings’ pros & cons
Visiting a number of childcare/nursery settings can be difficult to remember which one was which.
Consider creating a comparison table when choosing a nursery.
This table could include categories such as location, fees, staff qualifications, Ofsted ratings, and parent testimonials.
Setting | Location | Fees | Qualifications | No of children | Ofsted rating | Reviews | Notes |
A | 10 miles | £70 | Level 3&4 | 67 | Excellent | 4 * | |
B | 5 miles | £65 | Level 2&3 | 43 | Good | 5 * |
Table for example use only
For instance, Nursery A may have a higher Ofsted rating and better staff qualifications, but is slightly more expensive than Nursery B, which is closer to home and highly recommended by other parents.
A comparison table can help in weighing the pros and cons, making it easier to pick a nursery that best meets your child's needs and your family's circumstances.
TIP 5 - Ask plenty of questions!
Knowing what you are looking for in advance, and what questions to ask, will reduce the overwhelming feeling.
Here’s your essential nursery checklist to guide you through visits and conversations with potential childcare/nurseries. We’ve even categorised them for you!
Location & Accessibility
Is the setting easy to reach from home or work?
Are there safe parking facilities or good transport links nearby?
Are there safe and secure drop-off/pick-up procedures in place?
What are the opening hours? Do they fit with my schedule?
Is there flexibility for late pickups or early drop-offs if needed?
Ofsted Rating & Inspection
What is your latest Ofsted rating? *You can take a look at our Ofsted inspections here
(Make sure you have read their latest Ofsted report)
Have there been any dramatic changes since the last inspection?
(If there are recommendations on the Ofsted report) How are you implementing the recommendations listed in the report?
Staff Qualifications & Turnover
What qualifications do staff hold (e.g. Level 3 in childcare, first aid, safeguarding)?
How many years’ experience do the staff have?
How long has my child’s key worker been working here?
What is your staff turnover like? Why is the turnover high/low?
Do children get to build strong relationships?
Child-Staff Ratio
How many children are there per adult?
How many children will be in my child’s group or room?
How is supervision managed during busy times (e.g. meals, toileting, outdoor play) or when staff are off sick?
Safety & Hygiene
What are your procedures in case of an emergency (fire, medical, etc.)?
What happens if my child becomes unwell during the day?
How often are toys, surfaces, and play areas cleaned?
Are staff trained in paediatric first aid?
What is your approach to safeguarding and child protection?
How often are your policies and procedures reviewed and updated?
Outdoor Space & Play
How much outdoor time do children get each day?
Do children play outside in all weathers?
What outdoor facilities or activities do you have (e.g. mud kitchen, climbing frame)?
Do I need to provide wellies, waterproofs, sun cream, or hats?
Do you follow a forest school ethos?
Curriculum & Learning Style
What curriculum or educational philosophy do you follow (e.g. EYFS, Montessori, Reggio Emilia)?
Are activities child-led, adult-led, or a mixture?
Are there set daily activities, or can children choose freely?
What is your daily routine?
How are learning and development tracked and supported?
How do you share the children’s progress with parents?
How are individual needs provided for? e.g. if a child needs additional support
Meals & Dietary Policies
Do you provide snacks and/or hot meals?
Can I see a sample menu?
How do you cater for fussy eaters or allergies?
Can I provide my child’s meals if I prefer?
Do I need to bring food or bottles for younger children?
Parent Communication
How do you keep parents updated (e.g. daily reports, app, face-to-face)?
Will I receive regular updates on my child’s progress?
How do you handle concerns or questions from parents?
Settling-In & Emotional Support
What does your settling-in process look like?
Can I visit with my child before their first day?
How do you support children who struggle to settle or are anxious?
Can my child nap if they want to? What’s the nap routine?
What’s your approach to comforting children who are upset?
Toileting, Nappies & Spare Items
What’s your policy on nappy changing and toilet training?
Do I need to provide nappies, wipes, or creams?
Should I leave spare clothes at the setting or bring them daily?
Will you support the potty/toilet training approach we use at home? *See our essential tips on potty training
Behaviour & Discipline
What is your behaviour management policy?
How do you handle tantrums, biting, or sharing struggles? *See our effective strategies for managing toddler tantrums.
If we follow a particular discipline approach at home, can this be continued in the setting?
Drop-off & Pick-up
Who is authorised to collect my child?
What happens if someone different needs to collect them?
What security measures are in place during pick-up and drop-off?
You could even save them in your notes on your phone so you have them to hand!
How do you know if it’s a good nursery?/childcare setting
Yes, the look of the setting is important. But it's important to look beyond the decor and displays, and assess the quality of interaction between staff and children and the overall environment.
A nurturing, stimulating, and secure environment is crucial for your child's development and well-being.
Look for a setting that promotes cognitive, emotional, and social growth through play.
During the early years, learning through play is the most natural, enjoyable and advanced method that will allow your child to grow and develop their curiosity and a love for learning.
Communication is key; a childcare/nursery setting that values open and ongoing dialogue with parents can significantly enhance your child's experience and ease any concerns you might have.
Remember, the goal is to find a setting where your child can thrive, feel safe, and be happy. Once you have chosen the best nursery for you, you may want to check out everything you need to prepare and what to expect.
FAQs
When should I begin researching nurseries for my baby or toddler?
Start as early as 12 months before you need childcare — many nurseries have long waiting lists.
What are the most important questions to ask during a nursery tour?
Ask about routines, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, how individual needs are supported, meals, and settling-in processes.
How do Ofsted ratings impact nursery quality and choice?
They give insight into quality, safety, and teaching standards — but visit in person to get the full picture.
What’s the difference between a day nursery and a childminder?
Day nurseries are formal settings with multiple staff and structured routines; childminders are usually home-based with smaller groups.
How can I tell if the staff‑child interaction is high quality?
Look for warm, engaged staff who speak at the child’s level, they encourage play, and respond gently and consistently, using the child’s name.
Are meal provision and dietary support included in nursery fees?
It depends on the setting — always ask what’s included, look at sample menus, and check how they cater for allergies or preferences.
Is a nursery closer to home or closer to work better?
Choose what works best for your routine. Home is usually easier for emergency pick-ups, but work may allow for a longer day of care.
How does settling‑in work, and what support should my child receive?
Settling-in days usually involves short, gradual visits. Staff should offer comfort, be patient, and adapt the process to your child’s needs.
What ratios and staff qualifications should I look for?
Look for qualified staff (ideally Level 3 or above), paediatric first aid trained, with ratios like 1:3 for under 2s, 1:5 for 2–3s, 1:8 for 3–5s.
How do I evaluate a nursery’s safety and emergency procedures?
Ask about fire drills, illness policies, secure entry systems, and first aid training. Everything should be clear, consistent, and up to date.
Related topics:
Comments