Open Day Guide
Choosing a nursery is one of the biggest decisions you will make for your child. An Open Day is your best opportunity to look past the brochure and see the heartbeat of the setting.
Nursery Open Day Guide: How to Choose the Right Setting
To help you make an informed choice, we have put together this complete guide. Whether you are attending a scheduled Open Day or a private tour, here is how to prepare, what to observe, and the essential questions you need to ask.
1. Preparation: Before You Step Through the Door
A little preparation goes a long way in calming any “nursery nerves” and ensuring you don’t forget the details that matter most to your family.
Research First
Read the latest Ofsted or Care Inspectorate report and browse the nursery’s social media. This gives you a great baseline of their standards before you arrive.
Bring Your Child
If possible, bring your little one! Watching how they react to the environment and how the staff interact with them is the most honest feedback you will get.
2. On the Day: What to Observe
While the Nursery Manager talks you through the setting, use your own senses to “read the room.” A great nursery should feel like a second home.
The Atmosphere: Is there a warm, welcoming, and positive atmosphere? Are the children happy and playing? Trust your gut “vibe” when you walk into the rooms.
Indoor & Outdoor Spaces: Do the children have access to an outdoor space? If they don’t have direct access, how do the staff incorporate outdoor time into the children’s day?
Staff Engagement: Observe the staff who aren’t giving the tour. Are they down on the floor at the children’s level?
💡 Nursery Manager’s Secret:
“Look at the walls! If you see lots of photos and artwork displayed at the children’s eye level (rather than perfectly aligned for adults), it’s a great sign that the setting truly prioritizes child-led learning.”
3. Top Questions to Ask When Visiting
When you visit a nursery, it’s the perfect opportunity to get answers to questions you couldn’t find online or need to further discuss. Here are the most commonly asked questions we get from parents, and how we answer them here at Kids Planet:
4. After the Visit: The Reflection
Once you’ve left the nursery, take five minutes to sit in the car and write down your immediate thoughts while they are fresh. Ask yourself:
✅ Did the staff seem genuinely interested in my child?
✅ Was the nursery clean, secure, and inviting?
✅ Can I envision my child being happy and safe here?
Ready to See for Yourself?
There is no substitute for the real thing. Book a personal tour or find your nearest Open Day at any of our award-winning Kids Planet settings.
