Virtual tours / Qs to ask when not visiting in person

[TurquoiseKiss]

I've started to research nurseries for 2021, many on my shortlist are currently offering virtual tours only due to Covid. Either by video already on their website, or a video call can be arranged. Not ideal but it seems like I may end up having to make a firm decision and paying deposit/registration before actually stepping foot inside. Not sure why but I get the feeling i'll miss something I should have asked as i'm not physically there.

Can peopleshare some Qs they would want to know answers to before considering registration? My child will be 12 months when they start.

So far on my list I have:

• Staff to child ratio (I'm aware it should be 1:3 for under 2s)

• If they provide meals, request to see sample menu

• Specific weeks/days nursery closed during the year

• Do they accept payment via tax free childcare account

• Request to see full T&Cs

It seems a really short list of Qs!
Thanks!

Hi, you could ask what you need to supply e.g are nappies , wipes etc Or are they included in fees. If they provide meals is it extra or part of fees.

If you want a Monday you will be paying for all bank holidays and nursery will most likely closed. Also check they don’t charge you for them if it’s not your day. Some local nurserys close all of xmas week and charge so may be check this too.

Notice periods, deposits, settling sessions how this works currently.

Activities they do, ages they move up to the next rooms etc, sleeping arrangements.

Is payment in advance.

Where I'm sending my son we're not allowed to settle them due to Covid so if it's the same I'd ask how they settle and comfort the children in those first days and weeks
Also ask about staff qualifications and how many are trained in first aid
How feedback is given
How many children per session.
If it's a, decent nursery they should encourage you to call back at any time if you have more questions.

My main advice would be see a few and go with your gut.

What the arrangements are for babies accessing the outside area - how frequently esp in winter.

What do they provide?

Do they have an app that they update during the day/cameras that you can view your child?

Also, if you don't know the location, it's worth checking them out including parking arrangements. Ours is based in a shopping centre which can be a bit of a pain as you have to find a space, and get through the centre, up lifts etc. It's not too bad for me as I can park on the work car park and run across, but if you were going to drive on somewhere else, it might be a bit of a hassle

I sent this list to my sister last week -

• are all members of staff qualified first aiders?
• where would they get staff from if someone phoned in sick ie would it be someone who had worked there before or a complete stranger?
• do you loose bank hol days if they are on a day when baby would normally have been there (some allow u to carry the day)
• menus for meals and snacks
• how do they cater for fussy eaters
• discipline protocol (for when they are older)
• would they accept expressed breast milk
• medicine administration ie will they give calpol if needed
• what do they give as drinks / do they give juice or fizzy drinks or just water/milk
• do they get any t.v.
• how many babies in baby room v how many staff (should be 3 babies to 1 member of staff I think ...)
• how many children do they have in total
• how often are the toys cleaned
• when would he move to the toddler room ie a certain age or when they feel he's ready (don't want him held back or pushed on if not ready)
• what's a typical day in the baby room
• where and when do they nap (some have separate rooms)
• how do they keep you informed of what they've been up to (some have an app but some debrief at the end of the day - I prefer the app as it means you can make a quick getaway at pick up!)
• what do you need to supply (nappies / wipes / creams?)
• will you need to supply bottles or just formula/breast milk?
• do they provide bed sheets and blankets or do you need to send those in?
• what is their suncream policy
• settling in arrangements - how many hrs will you get and how do they want you to use them (ie x hrs over x days)
• can she bring a cuddly toy / comforter
• policy on dummies

Thank you so much everyone for your responses, this is so helpful!

I have 3 in-person viewings lined up post-lockdown, another 3 will be virtual.

The first viewing I had to chase my initial enquiry as nobody had responded to me, I called and said "Hi, I sent an email enquiry over a week ago and just wondered if anyone had a chance to read it yet?" response was: "Oh no, nobody checks the email. We're very busy". Umm...OK. Frustrated with that reply but I'll let it slide, this particular nursery is best location wise as well. We'll see!