Finding & choosing nursery - the basics!

[Loislane78]

New mum here and worried I have done no research on nurseries yet - help!

Where do I start; is there a list of them all somewhere and by area? Then how do you choose, location, price, ofsted report and a visit?

Any and all advice gratefully received!

TIA :)

hi - there is a great section on nurseries in the main mumsnet site - I would have a look for threads there or post one of your own - you can find all nurseries by looking up on the ofsted website doing a post code search
you would probably find that only a few are near you - I understand that in cambridge area they do get quite busy - so I would get visiting - they are also can be pricey and I don't think there is much difference
any particular reason why you are not considering childminders - can be cheaper and more flexiable? - just my personal preference - could be worth visitng a few to get a feel for it
anyway link here which also has a link to list of nurseries as well as childminders

www.familiesandchildcare.org.uk/kb5/cambspboro/cambs/category.page?category=3055621

Personally it was a) how close was it to work, b) whether the kids already there seemed happy, c) what were the staff like and the bottom of the list was the price given that all nurseries in central Cambridge are very expensive! Also whether or not I had to provide food was a factor too.

I've worked in a few nurseries in Cambridge...pm me if you want any help?