Don’t love any nursery… which factors are more important when deciding on one?

[1234AAB]

Please help me figure this out.

option 1: fun, friendly and warm staff members. Small rooms with limited accessible toys, toys and rooms are a bit worn out/grubby. They go outside daily (garden and out and about in the community). Room ages are 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4. Some apprentices but never counted for ratios.

option 2: much larger rooms, more accessible toys and feels like the rooms are set up better for the children. Staff are less warm/friendly and more professional in nature (though my child does reach their arms out to keyworker and doesn’t cry on drop off or collection). Limited/no daily outdoor time. Higher turnover of staff and a fair amount of apprentices / agency staff. Sometimes has 5 hours between nappy changes. Room ages are approximately 0-15 months, 15m-2y, 2-3, 3-4

I have reservations about both nurseries but options are so limited in my area, i have to pick one. What factors matter most do you think? Would you pick option one or two?

The standout to me is staff turnover, that's a big red flag. I would be willing to overlook some of the issues you've listed with both nurseries but that would be a deciding factor against for me.

That’s really tricky.

Where do you think your child will have their needs met the most? Most important thing to me is safety and caring staff.

Personally high turnover puts me off as that often means unhappy staff.

Definitely the first one. The experience, warmth and consistency of the staff is what will make the biggest difference to your child’s nursery experience.

Look at childminders too.

One - caring and fun staff are important, and also the fact that they can go outside.

From what youve included, one sounds like a no brainer to me as the warm and friendly nature of the staff is everything. Second to that would be the time outside. Kids don't need to be swamped with endless toys at that age anyway, so as long as they have suitable toys then I'd be content with that. What are your reservations for number one?

Have you got any good childminders in your area?

This. I couldn't care less if toys and the decor are a bit shabby, neither will your child. They want to play outside, and be looked after by kind, loving people.

There's zero chance I would send my child to somewhere they couldn't go out in the garden, or with a high turnover of staff, or staff who weren't warm.

This.

high staff turnover is a nope from me. Children thrive on consistency of caregivers, toys are toys but experience trumps everything so I'd go with number 1.

If your child reaches out to the keyworker on option two doesn't that mean you've already chosen it though? I'm very confused.

Also option 1 - staff followed by outdoor time.

Definitely the first one. High staff turnover is not a good sign.

"option 1: fun, friendly and warm..."
That one. No read to read further.

I'm a trained nursery teacher (or the equivalent in my country). Definitely option 1. Consistency of care is incredibly important so a high staff turnover should be a big red flag. I remember from my studies that group size (too many people and too much noise can be extremely stressful for a young child, and stress effects brain development) and staff training (i.e staff actually knowing about children best develop etc) are two of the biggest factors for quality care in young children. Best of luck.

Agree option 1. When DS was in nursery he was miserable in a nursery room with high staff turnover and fine when we moved him to somewhere with consistent staffing. Small children really benefit from predictability and being able to build relationships with their carers.

Definitely option 1.

Staff is by far the most important thing.
Outdoor time is important.
Lay out of the room is almost irrelevant.

Option 1, no question, for all the reasons pps have given

Number one without a doubt. Worn rooms/toys seem to be the only criticism which is irrelevant when compared to the warmth of staff, staff happiness and consistency (as indicated by turnover), small rooms/numbers and regular outside access (vital imo if they will be there for full days). That’s not difficult at all to answer. It’s a no brainer.

Thanks all. I’m not sure why i have reservations about option 1 - i can’t pin point it - but good to know others would pick this setting. We’ve had issues with option 2, mostly relating to staffing hence why we’re looking at other options.

Before I read the thread I was going to say staff turnover is the number 1 factor. Stability helps enormously.

I think the size of the rooms (2 x ‘box room’s for the 1-2 age group). At least 15 kids. I was worried they would be packed in there like sardines

There are strict rules for floor size, there needs to be 3.5m2 per child for under twos. You could ask them what their floorspace is - it can't include kitchen/bathroom/cloakrooms.

@legoplaybook wow! Absolutely 100% sure there is not enough space for the amount of children then. It did feel tiny even when the children weren’t in there (they were outside)

Outside space is so important! The first for sure. But if you’re not happy with it, is there another option? Box rooms don’t sound ideal. Whereabouts are you based?

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