What to look for when choosing a nursery

Choosing a nursery for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in their early years. There’s no question that you’ll want to enrol your child into the best nursery you can find; however, with so many childcare providers out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice.

How do I know it’s the right one for me and my child? Do the childcare hours work with my schedule? Can the nursery staff provide special care for my child? Many parents we speak to have concerns about how their child will settle in, if they’ll like it and if they’ll make friends. Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right environment for your family.

What is the purpose of childcare?

For some families, childcare is a necessity that allows them to work and manage other responsibilities. For others, it is a choice to help with their child’s social and cognitive development. Whatever your reason, your child will receive high-quality care to help them develop social, emotional, and physical skills that will set them up for school and onwards in life.

The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework sets the standards that all nurseries must meet to ensure children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for future progress.

Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing a Nursery

Knowing what to look for is the first step; the second is knowing what to ask. These questions help you understand the nursery’s practices and help us get to know your needs and your child.

What qualifications do the staff have?

All our staff in all of our Kids Planet Day Nurseries are qualified to Level 3 in Childcare or higher. Those who do not yet have a Level 3 qualification are actively working and studying towards one. This ensures that the professionals looking after your child have a deep understanding of early years development milestones.

Are all the Kids Planet staff DBS checked?

Absolutely, yes! Prior to starting their Early Years careers, it’s mandatory for all of our staff to complete and pass an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service). Safety and safeguarding are our top priorities.

What are the staff to children ratios?

To ensure your children’s safety and happiness, we always make sure that our staff to children ratios meet the Early Years Foundation Stage standards. These ratios are strictly maintained to ensure every child receives the attention they deserve based on their age group.

How will my child settle in?

Most nurseries offer “settling-in” sessions. These are short periods where you can stay with your child as they get used to the new environment, the other children, and their key person. This building of trust is vital for a smooth transition.

What will my child get up to throughout the day?

Every day at a Kids Planet nursery is different, but they all follow a structured yet flexible routine designed around the EYFS. Children will engage in “continuous provision,” where they can choose from various activities such as messy play, outdoor exploration, reading corners, and creative arts. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and promote independent learning.

What food is provided?

Nutrition is a key part of our care. We provide healthy, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day, often prepared on-site by our nursery chefs. We cater to all dietary requirements and allergies, ensuring every child is well-nourished and ready to learn.

Making the Final Decision

When you visit a potential nursery, pay close attention to the atmosphere. Are the children happy and engaged? Is the environment clean and safe? Trust your instincts -you will know when you’ve found the place where your child will thrive. Once you’ve made your choice, the next step is to begin the enrolment process and start your child’s exciting new journey.