Finding a good nursery

[Pomi]

What did you look in a state nursery when your child first started it? Is it only the distance or there are some other facilities which are different? Should i visit a few of them before sending my kid?

Definitely visit as many as you can fit in. I looked at their day to day routines, how much the staff actually enjoyed being/playing with the children, the facilities on offer, the other children (did they seem happy), the safety and so on. I tended to get a "gut" feeling about each one & definitely knew when I'd picked the right one. Had the same gut instinct when choosing a childminder - I would go with this instinct!

I also found it helpful to take dd with me & see how they interacted with her.

Also, ask what their policies are on bank hols (do you still have to pay) and whether they close at any time in the year (e.g. xmas) - this can make quite a difference to the £££ and the convenience. In my case, this was private day nurseries (p/time), so not sure if this bit applies to state run nurseries (not lucky enough to have any of those round here!)

At the end of the day, you will either feel you would like to have these people help look after your child...... or you'll think uh-uh definite no-no!

You did not have any state nursery around you, I thought it is in every primary school. These nurseries are free so dont have to check the policies you mentioned.

I dont think that i should visit as many as i can as the faraway one prob not give my child addmition. Am i right?

and also depends on your child Pomi. My dd was offered a place at the local school nursery, but hated it and we pulled her out after 8 weeks. She went to a different one a few miles away and loved it. So I'd go and look around, see what your gut feeling is.

Where we live you can have your choice of nursery as they are undersubscribed and they reckon that once you get them at nursery then they will stay throughout primary school - so look at any afterschool or breakfast club facilities and availability (some have 2 year waiting lists) as this may influence your choice!