Viewing nurseries- What do I need to know.

[pudding25]

I am going to view some nurseries for when I go back to work in Jan. My dd will be 7.5mths then (dreading leaving her, feel sick thinking about it).
What questions should I be asking the nurseries?

"Look at this page"

It gives some good pointers on what to ask and what to look out for. Generally I would say that if you get a good vibe from them then they'll be good...don't underestimate your gut instincts! It will be awful leaving your DD, no doubt about it but the staff at a good nursery will help you both to make the transition as easy as possible. My DS has just started nursery and I have a terrible time dropping him off (literally having to peel him off me) but the staff soon distract him and when I pick him up, I just hover outside the room and he's always playing happily. Good luck

Ask how many people will be caring for your dd over an average week - ie is it the same staff on all week or do they have lots of part timers so it's a different person everyday.

Ask them what they do about sick staff - do they use fill in staff?

and family groupings or all the same age? Ask them for pros & cons and why they have organised their nursery that way?

ofsted search nursery by postcode identify a nursery then look at report
do few visits (1 unannounced)
staff to baby ratio(usually 1:3 under 2yr)
when is progression to baby room 2
first aid etc policy
what activities offered (mine did aromatherapy, baby yoga)
daily structure,
will you take in your own food/milk or do they provide
nappies do you provide or do they
ask manager staff turnover
how to contact you if need be
can you just pop in no appt to visit (any good nursery will say yes)
do they give you daily reports and reviews
ask around other mums word of mouth
how do they communicate with parents

my baby went in at6mth and loves it. we are both VVHappy.

ignore the zealots and doom merchants who will inevitably tell you horror story about nursery or tut and then proceed to tell you they would never miss the precious moments
etc

your baby your choice

Thanks everyone.
The zealots/doom merchants are obviously lucky enough to be able to afford to not go back to work!