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1st visit to nursery, what should I ask/check?

16 replies

FakePlasticTrees · 07/03/2010 20:41

I'm currently on maternity leave and looking to go back to work part time next year. I've booked a couple of visits to local nurseries, but not entirely sure what i should be looking for, questions to ask, things to check etc.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
JaynieB · 07/03/2010 20:43

Food
Sleeping facilities
Outdoor play
Accident recording
Toys
Note cleanliness/decor
Ofsted report?

FakePlasticTrees · 07/03/2010 20:49

Thanks JaynieB! Is it easy to get the ofsted report?

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JaynieB · 07/03/2010 20:52

Should be available on-line or if not, the nursery might have copies available. Mine did - interestingly, I'd say my nursery is 'good' rather than 'excellent' but I liked their philosophy and care of the kids.
Have a look at direct.gov

beingbrave · 07/03/2010 20:54

When you arrive, listen carefully before you make your presence known. Listen to the 'tone' of the workers and the children. Turn up a bit early for your appointment (not too early) so they are not expecting you. Best off, just turn up without one - then they don't 'put on a show'.

FakePlasticTrees · 07/03/2010 20:55

thanks!

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JaynieB · 07/03/2010 20:58

We decided against even visiting one as my DP has noted how miserable the staff look when out with the kids! They do visits to the local schools when the tots are a bit older so you see them in town transporting them about and they look soooo fed up!! Not a good sign.
My nursery got (Ofsted) criticised for the lack of adequate sleeping facilities - which was a fair comment at the time - better now.

FakePlasticTrees · 07/03/2010 20:59

oh, and should I be concerned that one of them hasn't taken my name? I only realised after I got off the phone, they have no idea who's turning up.

OP posts:
JaynieB · 07/03/2010 21:49

Mmmm. I'd see what their security for getting into the building is like. I wouldn't worry too much about the name thing though - they probably got off the phone and though 'bugger, forgot to take their name...'

FossilMum · 07/03/2010 21:57

Look for friendly, kind staff who seem to actually LIKE working with children.

Waswondering · 07/03/2010 22:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JaynieB · 07/03/2010 22:02

Yup, also maybe check out the ages of the staff - nursery work seems to attract a lot of quite young girls (and occasionally men) but I liked the fact that there were a few older women there too. I also liked, when being shown round by the manager that she knew all the kids and they were really pleased/excited to see her too.

TiggyD · 07/03/2010 23:42

Talk to the staff. All the staff! When you're shown round they might try to hide duff staff at the back of the room. Ask basic stuff like why do you like working with children?

Look at how clean things are. There should be some mess! I've worked in nurseries that didn't let the children do much messy stuff because it meant cleaning up which was work for them.

Is there a selection of things for the children to play with, and are they allowed to play with it? 2 of my nurseries had computers they showed off to parents but were actually not usable.

Try to taste lunch.

What ratios of staff to children are there. 0-2 years should be 1:3, 2-3 years 1:4 and above 3 years 1:8. They are Minimums! A good nursery would always try to have more staff than the minimum.

Do the children go outside? Really? Lots of staff can't be bothered.

Are the staff happy?

In the older children's room, ask them to explain how they plan to provide activities to promote all areas of development. Can they tell you without umming and erring?

After they tell you that they do such and such, ask why? They might do the right things, but do they do them just because they have to, or do they know why they do them?

Ask the staff how long they've been there. High turnover means disruption for children and the nursery isn't a happy place to work in.

How many supply staff are there? It's good if it's to cover illness but loads of supply staff means they can't get people to take jobs there full time, because it's crap.

I could go on for ages but happy, good, caring, friendly staff who know what they're talking about will mean a good nursery.

TiggyD · 07/03/2010 23:43

Avoid big nursery companies too.

beingbrave · 08/03/2010 07:47

Oh, remember they will be looking after your child if you choose them, so be on your best behaviour to start a good relationship. First impressions are hard to amend.

mnistooaddictive · 10/03/2010 17:10

Go with your gut feeling. How many different age groups are there for the children. Too few and there is a huge range, too many and it is disruptive. My Dc are with a large chain but they love it and I am very happy with them. so don't necesarily be put off by that.

Missus84 · 12/03/2010 18:16

What's the staff turnover like - how long have room leaders etc been in their position. What opportunities are there for staff to do additional training. Ime nurseries that value their staff have happy staff, which means happy children.

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