As a parent what would you want your child's nursery to provide.

[user1479755384]

I know that I would want a clean and safe environment for my child as a high priority. Also as a high priority the reassurance that my child is really being looked after and cared for the way I would do for her. Knowing that she is happy where she is.

There's so many more but mainly I would say mine is a heightened of fears that she may be neglected etc.

Anyway that's my concerns as a parent but every parent is different and what they may require in a nursery is different to what other parents may want..

The reason for this topic is that I am looking to open a nursery and I keen to get the views of other parents and what they would see as essential requirements within a nursery environment. What your concerns may be of nurseries and how they would like to see their child develop.

It would be much appreciated if you could take some of your time to give me some insight to your views and some suggestions.

Thanks All

[Karoleann]

Low staff turnover, qualified staff who are well trained, smiley and looked after by the management.

Outdoor space is a must.

Is it a day nursery, or a preschool.

If its a day nursery: defined areas for each of the age-groups. Parents wearing shoe covers/removing shoes before entering the area where under 2s are. Healthy freshly prepared lunchtime meal.

[taytopotato]

Forest school- to go out and about even if it is raining, snowing, etc

[Heirhelp]

Yes to all of the above. Lots of outdoor time space and activities.

All staff to be trained in peadatric first aid.

The main thing is that the staff care about my child, so low safe turn over is a must.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Low turn over, well qualified (at least one to degree level), well paid staff.

Lots of outside time (preferably all, forest school style)

Lots of cuddles.

Lots of (supervised) "risky" play with natural objects - climbing trees, hammer and nails, ponds, saws, fire etc

[Leopard12]

Not sure about the risky play mentioned above but ability to ride bikes and a climbing frame/similar as I still remember being bored at my primary school and after school club where play equipment was considered too dangerous. Nice outside and inside area, time outside every day but also books and pens and pencils possibly paint opportunities inside and storytime. I love it when my nursey do themes which last for weeks and all activities are related to this ie recently it's been zoo, they did the noises, watched videos, read books, decorated masks with glue and fur and painted pictures.

[lightupowl]

Lots and lots of outdoor time, preferably in a natural environment or park. I loved the freedom of picking dc up and knowing that they had already been outdoors running around. This was otherwise difficult to fit in during the week.

No screens.

Low turnover of staff.

Small groups.

Letting the parents stay for as long as necessary for the child to settle in. I had to accompany one dc, aged 2, for several weeks full time before they felt comfortable being left. I am still very grateful that we were allowed to do this. He had a really lovely time at nursery after that and still remembers it fondly. He was mega clingy and just needed to be allowed to separate from me in his own time.

Lots of rituals and a structured day.

[user1479755384]

Wow guys thank you so much for all your replies. So many suggestions and advice - I am so grateful for this. I can see that many parents have mentioned outdoor time.

I have been looking into this since some time and to my research have discovered that a lot of nurseries essentially out in the sticks are doing very well. Even though parents are having to travel they are going there because of the outdoor concept (forest schools). I believe this is very important part of a child's early learning infrastructure.

Also one parent mentioned that being at work sometimes doesn't allow them the time to take the little ones out and therefore there is a peace of mind knowing that their child is essentially not stuck in doors.

FIRST AID IS A MUST and if my staff is not trained i will pay to make sure everyone has been qualified and regular training ongoing. I went to one nursery where there was a midwife/pediatrician on board this was quite reassuring for me knowing that there will be the right professionals to look after my daughter.

I love the ideas of themed weeks that is good inspiration and something for children to look forward to.
I totally agree with parents wanting to stay at the nursery so that their child can get used to their surroundings after all a child needs that extra reassurance.

I was thinking of having a coffee/cafe area for mothers to sit and maybe even catch up with friends and staff if they have any concerns etc. And obviously this area could be used for staff lunch breaks etc.

Please keep the suggestions coming it would be much appreciated. Many Thanks again

[Heirhelp]

I am a teacher and I would be unhappy with parents in the staff room.

[Solasum]

Minimal screens, if any at all.

Lots of books and music.
Trips to interesting places.

Healthy food.

Clearly divided space for different age groups.

Occasional opportunities for parents to meet each other. Nice to make friends!

[user1479755384]

I think maybe the staff area could be separated but still have a area for mothers to catch up and maybe have meetings there with staff for any concerns.

Will need to consider how that would work best depending on size of premises.

It is a day nursery guys. Thanks again

[EstelleRoberts]

Lots of cuddles and one to one attention. First aid training. Close attention paid to meals. My DD has multiple food allergies and intolerances. I would want to be sure your staff were competent to make sure she wouldn't eat foods she is not supposed to. And that they were competent to administer anti/histamine/epi-pens when indicated.

[Serafinaaa]

As well as the things mentioned above, I'd like most staff to be trained in recognising and using basic baby sign language. My son communicated well in sign language a long time before he began speaking and could get frustrated if his signs were not recognised.

It would also be good if staff could use slings/carriers to soothe smaller babies who are used to this.

[BrollyXmas]

I would want what my daughter's nursery provided:
Forest school
Outdoor play all the time (boots and special suits at at the ready!)
Interactive staff
Low staff turnover
Friendly environment
Healthy meals - children sitting at tables with adults, encouraged to poor own breakfast cereal etc.
A water dispenser for access to fresh water
Activities that encourage investigation.