DH and I went to look at a local nursery yesterday and despite it ticking all the boxes, I am hesitant.
In no particular order - good points:
A dedicated baby room where the baby will only move up to toddlers when he can walk, not when he gets to a certain age
The staff ALL hold relevant qualifications surpassing the national target.
Low turnover of staff - shortest time someone had been there was 18 months.
Safe, warm environment
Fun and secure outside play area
Key worker system is 1 to 3 babies
Mums and dads can drop in at any time
Ofsted report was strong in every section.
They have at least 2 parent evenings a year plus holiday concerts and the like - parents welcome to come in and read stories.
Children are a good mix of nationalities
Work to a programme set by parents until baby is walking and up to toddler group
Although no specifics could be given, I was assured that the majoprity of babies are up to date on vaccinations
It was late afternoon when I went so all the babies has gone home but the toddlers I saw were charging around outside and looked happy
bad points:
Seemed messy to me, but then DH pointed out that I'm a clean freak and a nursery that doesn't looked lived in isn't going to be a good one.
Toys all seemd to come from IKEA. Again DH pointed out that IKEA is good value for money.
I am going to see another nursery this week to compare - we only have 2 in our village so it will be one or the other, but I'm thinking it may not be the nursery at all, just the thought of my baby taking his first little steps into a new world without me iyswim. I should also add that I am going to arrange a second visit to meet the key workers (I met the nursery manager this time) and we are only going to start DS off on 2 half days per week and he'll be 1 year by time he starts.
Any thoughts would be appreciated - particularly any points I've missed that I should have been looking for. Thank you Sorry for spelling, baby just woken up from nap