Choosing the right nursery for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the early years. You want somewhere safe, nurturing and inspiring – a place where your little one can thrive. Visiting nurseries in person is the best way to get a real feel for what they offer, but knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference.
Questions to ask when visiting a nursery: a parent’s checklist
Here’s a helpful checklist of questions to guide you when visiting a nursery:
- What is your settling-in process?
Transitioning from home to nursery can be emotional for both children and parents. Ask how the nursery supports this important stage. Look for a gradual, flexible settling-in plan tailored to your child’s individual needs.
- What qualifications and experience do your staff have?
Staff are the heart of any nursery. Find out about their qualifications (such as NVQ Level 3 or Early Years Teacher Status) and experience. Also ask about staff turnover – a consistent team helps build trust and security for young children.
- How do you support individual development?
Every child develops at their own pace. Ask how the nursery observes, plans and supports individual progress. Look for a nursery that values child-led learning and adapts activities to suit each child’s interests and abilities.
- What is the daily routine like?
Children thrive on routine, so understanding what a typical day involves is important. Ask about meal times, sleep schedules, outdoor play and structured learning activities. Consistency helps young children feel secure.
- How do you communicate with parents?
Good nurseries build strong partnerships with families. Ask how they share updates – whether that’s daily handovers, online journals, regular meetings, or newsletters. Clear communication is vital to keep you involved in your child’s learning journey.
- What is your approach to behaviour management?
Positive behaviour strategies should focus on encouragement, praise and teaching appropriate social skills. Make sure the nursery’s ethos aligns with your own parenting style.
- What are your safeguarding and health policies?
Safeguarding children is a top priority. Ask about their safeguarding procedures, first aid training, hygiene practices, and how they manage illnesses and emergencies.
- What opportunities are there for outdoor play?
Fresh air and outdoor exploration are essential for young children’s health and wellbeing. Check if the nursery has a secure outdoor area and how often children play outside.
- What meals and snacks are provided?
Good nutrition supports growth and concentration. Ask about their menus, whether meals are prepared fresh onsite and how they cater for allergies or dietary preferences.
- Can I see your recent Ofsted report?
Ofsted reports provide an official view of the nursery’s standards. A ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating is a great sign, but it’s also important to trust your instincts when you visit.
Final Tip:
Always trust your gut feeling. Look around – are the children happy and engaged? Are the staff warm and welcoming? Does the environment feel safe, clean and stimulating?
The right nursery should feel like an extension of home – a place where your child will be nurtured, encouraged, and celebrated every day.
If you’d like to book a visit to any of our Rock A Tot locations then get in touch – we’d love to show you around!