Your baby is your world. That’s why, as a parent, you want to make sure the nursery you choose is the right fit, both for them and you.
Whether you’ve used a childminder and want to move your little one to a bigger setting with more children or you’re going back to work, it’s important that you take the time to research different nurseries. You’ll also need to have a checklist to make sure the nursery ticks your boxes.
Here are some things to consider when taking a tour of the nurseries you’re considering.
The logistics
Before you find a nursery that you love, consider what your budget is, the times you’ll need the nursery to accommodate, and whether it’s in the right location.
Nursery fees have been in the news recently. In answer to the cost-of-living crisis, childcare providers have had to increase their fees. According to a survey by campaigning group, Pregnant Then Screwed, three-quarters of mothers who are paying for childcare right now say that it does not make financial sense for them to work. With fees at the forefront, it’s important that you have a clear idea of how much the nurseries you’re visiting cost and that it falls within your budget.
Also, is the nursery close by? If you’re heading into the office, it’s helpful if your little one can be dropped off on the way with ease. And is the childcare provision open at times that fit with your commute to and from work? Some close at 5pm, for example, which can mean you might have to negotiate flexible working at work or find another nursery that accommodates you.
Staff ratios
As well as fees making headlines, staff ratios have also been on the political agenda recently. The Chancellor recently announced childcare ratios are changing from 1:4 to 1:5 for two-year-old children. This is an optional change that will apply from September 2023. However, other staff-to-child ratios remain the same.
As a parent, it’s likely you’ll have concerns about this. It’s worth asking if the nursery will be adopting these changes.
Larger groups of children per adult can potentially lead to accidents. It’s common for little ones to take a tumble whether they’re being supervised or not, but if there are more children for one adult to watch, there is a chance these accidents could become more of a possibility.
Sometimes, there are cases for making a personal injury claim. Certain incidents understandably can lead parents to seeking compensation for poor levels of care. However, if ratios are smaller, there’s less of a chance of things going wrong.
Training
If things do go wrong, are staff trained? Is there a health and safety rep at the nursery? And how trained is the team in EYFS? You want your little one to be safe, happy, and to learn through play in a nursery setting, so this is your time to ask about qualifications and training that the staff undergo.
The staff
How passionate are the staff? Are they happy to be there? Are the children happy in their care? If you’re unsure, see if it’s possible to book in a taster session where you can observe how your child experiences their time there and how the nursery operates through the day.
Policies and reviews
Check the latest Ofsted report and see when the next inspection is. This will give you an idea of how the nursery is performing.
Also, what policies are in place? Check the nursery’s safeguarding, child protection, ratios, health and safety, and staff training policies. It’s also worth checking their procedures for how they choose people who work at the nursery. Are they fully DBS-checked, for example?
Take your time to research the nurseries you like. Ask other parents what they make of the setting and take your time to choose. Also, it’s important to note that if you’re not happy with your nursery, you can feel free to take your little one elsewhere. It has to be the right fit for your child and for you.