How did you choose? (Nursery)

[AndWhat]

I am looking around at nurseries for my ds who I will need minding 3 days a week from April when he will be 8 months old.
I am just curious what went into the choosing of the nursery and what I should be looking for/asking about whilst looking.
Any help is appreciated.

Hi Andwhat

We had to pick a nursery for DD about 6 months ago, and it was hard. I asked lots of questions (e.g. typical day and activities, flexibility to stick to baby's routine, approach to discipline for older children, mix of ages in the room, approach to settling in, and if course practicalities like opening hours etc).

In the end, though, it came down to a 'feeling': we picked a smaller nursery with a small team of very approachable staff, and lots of flexibility to follow what the children want to do rather than enforcing a strict routine. Have been really happy pleased with our choice.

Good luck! Hope your DC will love nursery

Guy feeling
If you are not happy with it, then it won't grow on you. It's not quantifiable.
And practicalities - convenience, close to home or close to work?, how to they deal with bank holidays?, how do they charge when you are on holiday, links to preschool/school. Can they cater for special needs/diets if applicable?

I agree with other posters about getting a 'feeling'. DH and I only looked around 2 nurseries. We were adamant we didn't want dd in the first one and the second one was so different and just felt lovely, homely and right for us.

gut feeling mainly.
then the other things like

• are the stuff cuddly with the children
• is the place clean
• do the children look happy
• how often do they go outside or to the park
• is the food cooked on the premises or brought in
• how easy is it getting there

Staff turnover, staff qualifications & experience. A nursery is really 90% its staff.

There is also a lot of "feeling" about it. DD's nursery was great when she was a baby, but we moved her later as it changed quite a bit and didn't seem to be child focused in the way her new one is. There was a lot of "front" which was put on for the parents but didn't seem to be followed through (today's nature rangers were generally dated about 1 month ago, the nursery dog never visited, they didn't play in the field or go for the "regular walks through the village"). Her new nursery is all about the children and is much more "real", what they say happens, really does happen.

I agree, its about the staff, so ask about key workers, staff retention / turnover. Is there a mix of ages or are they all 18yr olds? When you visit, do the children approach the staff (and vice versa). Are the children happy? Do they look engaged?

Then think of what is important to you logistically - where do they eat / sleep? What happens over the lunch period? Is food prepared on the premises? Do they have outdoor space? Do they have trips / outings? How many rooms are there? How long will your child be in each room? Do they offer any extra activities? What is their approach to discipline?

Then what happens in an emergency (I.e. you cant get there on time)? Can they accommodate a change of days if you ever need it? If you have another baby and you want to drop the number of days your DS goes whilst you're on maternity leave, can you do that? Do they offer the 15hrs when your DS turns 3 (and if so, how?).

There are probably lots more, good luck!

I would say gut feeling too. We only looked at a few and luckily got a place in the only one we liked.

I would say make a shortlist of places to go and see based on the following;

• location
• opening hours
• facilities

I also found this list of things you might want to consider during visits;

How many staff are qualified and to what level?

Are the staff listening to children and answering them carefully?

Are the staff friendly and proud of their work?

Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?

Does the member of staff showing you round show an interest in what you want for your child. If you child is with you, does he/she make contact with him/her?

Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these themselves?

Are there plenty of examples of children’s work displayed?

Is there a clear routine for the children?

Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?

Is the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?

Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

What do the fees include, i.e. does the nursery supply, food, nappies, formula milk, etc.