What should I ask/look for when choosing a nursery?

[splatt]

DD is 3 months and I will be returning to work in July / August. I'm off to see a couple of nurseries today. Both have 'good' offsted reports. What are your top tips of what I should be looking for and asking to help me make a desicion

hi splatt-

the following things are what i would ask

1- do the children get out for fresh air reguarly

2- whats the turnover of staff like in the room that your baby will start in- ask how long the staff have been there and ask what qualifications they have

3- ask what "activities" staff do with the babies during the day -

4- nappy changes- how many times a day are the nappys changed/checked etc.

5- Make sure you visit the nursery at different times of the day if you can- check the atmosphere of the staff/children- do the children seem happy and contented and enjoying themselves- this is always a good sign if they are.

Generally you will have a "gut feeling" yourself and you will know best what nursery will suit you and your child but you are definetly doing the right thing by checking things out just now and going to see more than one. Also Mumsnet is great for asking people their opinions/experiences on nurseries- so you could always ask on here about the nurseries you are going to see.

Good luck !

=Check ALL rooms. - Your daughter will hopefully stay until school. (If you want that).
=Staff are happy when they're working in a good nursery. Look for happy chatty staff.
=There should be some 'mess' in the messy areas. If not, staff either avoid messy stuff or spend all their time tidying.
=check the eating area. Are high chairs clean even where you can't see? (feel under trays with fingers)
=Is the equipment cared for? Are books falling apart? Do the pens work?
=plus all the basic cost/hours/nappies/holidays etc.