Looking round primary schools/nursery - any advice?

[mumblecrumble]

We are very excited!!! We are visiting our local primary school this week to look at their foundation stage.

DD is only 2 and though I'd say we are very chilled and not pushy we've been asked by her childcare nursery to decide where her NEG/preschool nursery will be [they provide preschool/aged 3 nursery and also do wrap around for local schools' nurseries]

SO... we are visiting one our nearest schools. Have looked at ofsted, website etc and got folks opinions of it.

What do we need to think about and ask as we look round?

Our dd has no 'special needs' as such, is a sociable little might and loves doing stuff. Cheers

self bump

How much playing do they do vs how much carpet time?
Do you like the feel of it? Does it feel busy but calm?
Do they encourage outdoor play?
How do they help children settle in?
What is their policy to deal with children that are having a difficult time?
How do they have their midday meal - is it served to the children in a hall or do they have adults that sit down and eat with the children?
Do they have messy play (painting/water/sand/clay etc.)?
How do they help the children transition to reception?
What is their staff turn over like?
Mainly - I would look at the children attending, and also the environment, and ask yourself if you would like to spend 6 hours a day there.

go with gut instinct.
if you're lucky to find a place that you instantly like, you'll know!
And obviously, the only way to do this is by seeing more than one local school and comparing x
Good Luck