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How to Choose a Nursery

Are you looking for a Nursery? Here are some important points to consider when looking for a nursery:

Always ensure that the nursery you choose is registered with OFSTED. The registration certificate should be displayed together with a current certificate of insurance.
Does the nursery belong to a professional organisation such as National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), keeping them informed of current issues?
You may ask to see copies of the recent OFSTED report highlighting the quality of nursery education and care and the appropriateness of equipment and facilities.
Has the nursery gained any awards of excellence, especially those endorsed by the government or Investors in Children e.g. NDNA's Quality Counts, Investors in People or Investors in Children.

Is there a safe and clean outside play area?
Is the interior bright, warm, clean, well decorated and welcoming?
Is the equipment good quality, clean, safe and appropriate?
What sort of meals are provided and at what time? Is the food fresh? Can they provide for special diets? Are the menus changed on a regular basis?
Do the children in the nursery look happy and well occupied? Are the children using a variety of equipment and are staff involved with their play?
Are the staff happy, relaxed, well presented, calm and confident?
Ask about the staff to children ratios. Here are the guidelines they should follow:
1:3 0-2 years
1:4 2-3 years
1:8 3-5 years

50% of staff must hold relevant childcare qualifications such as NVQ Childcare Level 2 or equivalent.
One member of staff should have a first Aid certificate and all supervisors are required to have an NVQ Childcare Level 3 or equivalent.
Do parents and staff work in partnership recording your child's activities and achievements?
Will your child be attached to a key-worker? Who will be your main contact and who will keep you informed?
What will the cost be and what does this include? For example nappies, meals, holiday charges etc.
Activities to be discussed are; diet, potty training, emergency procedures, discipline and other nursery polices.

Did you enjoy your visit? Was it friendly, relaxed and informative? Did your child enjoy it?
Your local children's information service will keep an up-to-date list of registered providers. The local authority switchboard will have the telephone number or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Look for your nearest NDNA member nursery at www.ndna.org.uk
Speak to friends and family - personal recommendations are an excellent start. If possible look at more than one nursery before making your decision.

IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH ANY ASPECT OF THE NURSERY, LOOK ELSEWHERE

Last updated: 25 Jan 2008