Nursery Open Day Guide: How to Choose the Right Setting
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.
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:
What is the ratio of staff to children?
In all of our Kids Planet settings, we follow the ratio guidelines outlined by the EYFS to ensure your children are in the best possible care. The ratios are: 0-2 years – 1 adult: 3 children, 2-3 years – 1:4, and over 3 years – 1:8 (or 1:13 with an EYP or teacher).
What qualifications do the staff have?
All of our staff are fully qualified to Level 3 in Childcare or higher, and those who are not fully qualified are currently studying for their Level 3 qualification.
Are all the staff DBS checked?
Yes. DBS checks can also be referred to as CRB or police checks. We always run a background check on all of our employees and these checks are renewed every two years.
What does a typical day look like?
You may be wondering “What does my child do at nursery?” While it can change from day to day, we always follow a routine. On a full day, the morning consists of breakfast and play (activities or free play), followed by a snack and outdoor play.
We serve lunch just before noon. By midday, the children settle down for quiet time or a nap. The afternoons are full of more fun and activities, including messy play and physical activity such as yoga or mindfulness.
For an hour-by-hour breakdown, visit our Day in the Life page.
Are the facilities suitable for my child who has additional needs?
Whether your child needs additional learning and/or physical support or has specific dietary requirements, we adapt our care with guidance from our SENDCo specialists.
To promote positivity and inclusivity, we make sure every child is able to participate in all the activities we do in the nursery.
Do you provide meals?
Meals are provided at all of our settings and are freshly cooked on the day. We cater to all dietary requirements (Halal, vegetarianism, allergies, etc.). Food is vital for development, so we always choose nutritious foods to make comforting, healthy meals that kids love.
We even have our own Kids Planet Cookbook! Just ask your nursery for a copy.
How will you support my child whilst settling in?
We’re here to support your child throughout the settling-in process. Each child will settle differently, and we’re here to adapt our care to make it a smooth transition for both you and your child.
How will my baby sleep?
When children start at nursery, we follow their home routines to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care. For younger babies we have cots, and as children get older, we have sleep mats. Every child has their own bedding that is laundered at least weekly and put out for them whenever they sleep.
What do I need to bring with my child to nursery?
All Kids Planet settings provide an all-inclusive offering, which means all nappies, baby formula, and baby wipes are included in our fees. Just bring a change of clothes, and we’re good to go!
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.
Book a Tour Today
