What’s daily life in childcare really like? Ask your questions - £100 voucher to be won

[LibbyMumsnet]

This Q&A is now closed

As part of our wider Q&A with the Department for Education about funded childcare, we’ve had loads of brilliant questions about eligibility and how to apply.

But for lots of parents, the biggest question isn’t can we get a place - it’s whether we want to use childcare at all? Maybe you're worried about how your child will settle, what actually happens during the day, or whether childcare is the right fit for your family right now. Maybe you're feeling the pressure to go back to work when you're not sure you're ready. Maybe you’ve done it before and have lots of excellent wisdom to share with other parents.

If you're on the fence, full of questions, or just want to hear how others made it work, this thread is for you. Come and share your thoughts and experiences and help others who are figuring it all out too.

Post your questions below - whether you want to know:
– What a typical day looks like, whether in a nursery or with a childminder
– How childcare settings support learning and development
– How naps, meals, and tricky behaviour are managed
– Or how to help your child settle in

👩‍🏫 Our expert Sarah Walker, an experienced Early Years teacher, is on hand to share insight from inside the setting - and help you feel more confident about your choices.

Sarah Walker is an experienced Early Years teacher based in Bradford, working across two local schools (Carlton Mills and Marshfield Primary). In 2022, she was shortlisted for the Award for Outstanding New Teacher. In 2023, Sarah collaborated closely with the Director of Early Years to spearhead the transformation of Carlton Mills - from “Requires Improvement” to “Outstanding” - demonstrating her expertise in curriculum development. Passionate about fostering a love of learning from the earliest stages, Sarah continues to drive high standards and innovation in early years practice.

💬 Ask your question below by 31st August and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 VEX gift voucher (T&C’s apply)

Hi @itsywitsy! In nurseries, the legal ratios are 1:3 for under 2s, 1:5 for 2-year-olds, and 1:8 for 3–4s (1:13 if led by a qualified teacher/EYTS). Many settings staff above these minimums so routines and supervision aren’t compromised, especially when extra support is needed for SEN children.

Hi @Ilostmyhalo - If staff illness or an outbreak forces closure, nurseries follow their business continuity policy (e.g. using cover staff, deep cleaning, notifying authorities). Whether parents still pay depends on the nursery’s contract—some charge during closures, others suspend fees—so it’s important to check what your providers terms are in advance. We would suggest you speak to the nursery about any additional charges and any hours you may be owed, and speak to your local authority if you're unsure.

Hi @pushchairprincess - Thank you for the question. Nurseries usually ensure training is up to date by staggering staff training, using cover staff or floating staff, and scheduling online or off-site sessions so ratios in the nursery remain compliant at all times.

Hi @prawncocktailcrispss - thanks for the question. Whether a nursery offers good value for money is really a question for individuals, considering things like the quality of care, staff ratios, facilities, and additional support offered at their nursery. High fees don’t always guarantee better care, so it’s important to compare what’s included and whether it meets your child’s needs. If you're unsure of your local options, you can ask your local authority or Family Information Service to help you out.

Are all inspection reports available to parents, including OFSTED, and food hygiene, and are there any publicly available reports which you think would help give parents confidence in the nursery and it's running and staffing ?

@SarahWalkerEY

I was in a situation where I was a playground supervisor with five 2 year olds, six 3 year olds - and then a reception class, Year 1 and Year 2 class. It was myself and an unqualified gap student looking after 60 children older than 4 - but then eleven 2 to 4 year olds as well.
I questioned and was told by SLT that this was fine because teachers were around in the building (all in meetings) and I could phone if I needed help.

I was definitely made to feel ‘difficult’ for bringing it up and have since moved setting - however the difficulty with ratios appears to be similar and I struggle to challenge without being made to feel like I’m not a team player.
Is it true that a member of staff being present in a building but not actually directly supervising the children counts towards ratios?

@SarahWalkerEY

In my new setting there was an incident where sixty 3 and 4 year olds were being supervised by two unqualified members of staff and a choking incident occurred. One of the unqualified members (not first aid trained) did back slaps and the child choked up the item. Again the justification of ‘being present in the building’ was used towards ratios - but the child choking needed direct and immediate help. However, I’d say the setting has now addressed this and ratios are better - but it took quite a serious incident for this to be rectified.

Staff always say she cries hysterically when i leave but then settles when i leave and loves it. How can i help get her over the initial seperation?

Hi @sharond101 - I would speak to your childs setting. It maybe that your child needs a slower transition process, that would best suit your child. This may mean shorter vistits to begin with that will build up gradually. Other ideas may include you going into the setting for a few initial visits to help them settle.

You could suggest some ideas to the setting - for example you could take some photos of the setting home to show and discuss with your child. And/or you could provide the setting with an item of comfort such a blanket / teddy/ family photos. Try not worry and not rush the transition process, most children will settle eventually!

When it comes to transition it is important to treat each child as an individual. Some children will settle quickly, where as others make need a little longer. I would speak to your childs setting where I am sure they will be happy to help the transistion process. Sometimes the children who we think may find it tricky to settle are the children who settle straight away! Hope that helps @ohdannyboy

Thanks for the question @1AngelicFruitCake! I feel that a common misconception is that nurseries are just “childcare” while parents are away. In reality, many nurseries provide structured learning, social skill development, emotional support, and early education alongside supervision. They’re not just a babysitting service—they actively contribute to a child’s development.

Nurseries are usually very supportive with toilet training and will follow your approach if you share it with them. It’s not necessary to keep your child home — consistency between home and nursery often helps. Good luck @Fancyquickthinker!

Hi @Runningshorts - this is a reasonable concern, but there’s no legal requirement for cameras in nursery rooms. Some settings use them for safety, monitoring, and staff training, but many rely on adequate staffing, strict safeguarding policies, and regular checks to protect children. If you’re concerned, you can ask a nursery for some reassurance about their safeguarding measures, and query whether or not cameras are used.

Most EY settings will support toilet training and work with your approach, but progress may be slower than at home due to staff sharing attention among children. With that being said, the consistency between home and nursery usually helps the process. Hope this helps @DenDenDenise

Thanks for the question @ketchuporbrownsauce. Settings usually have scheduled nap or quiet times and monitor children for signs of tiredness. If a child clearly needs a rest, they are often taken to a quiet or calm area to nap so they can stay comfortable and continue the day refreshed.

Nurseries don’t usually provide formal speech therapy, but many implement strategies recommended by a therapist and support your child’s goals during the day. You would usually continue formal therapy outside the setting while staff reinforce techniques in nursery @Montydoo.

Yes, many settings can manage special diets or nut allergies safely, but it depends on their experience, staff training, and policies. You should check their allergy procedures, meal prep practices, and staff awareness, and ensure they have clear communication and emergency plans in place. Hope this helps @benjaminjamesandgraham.

Hi @Mmayamayaa. In my experience, these approaches create a supportive environment for emotional and social development...

Nurturing, consistent relationships with their key workers / staff members, so that children feel safe.

Modeling and labeling emotions to teach emotional expression.

Guided peer interactions and play, to build social skills like sharing and empathy.

Emotion coaching and conflict resolution to help manage feelings.

Safe spaces and positive reinforcement to support self-regulation and confidence.

@LibbyMumsnet is this thread closed now - or has a winner been notified ?

Thanks for all your questions so far! @SarahWalkerEY will be answering a few more questions this week so do keep an eye out.

In the meantime, we’re pleased to announce that the winner of the prize draw is @prettypeace - congratulations!

No - you’re not just kidding yourself. Nurseries must meet strict EYFS safeguarding requirements (ratios, key person, safety policies), ensuring warmth, attention, and security. While nothing replaces parental love, nurseries can genuinely provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children. Hope that helps @Fantabulousauras

Hi @littlecottonbud. Under the updated EYFS nutrition guidance (Sept 2025), nurseries are required to provide healthy, balanced meals and can follow your weaning preferences (mostly vegetables, minimal meat and salt). Staff must ensure safer eating practices, reduce choking risks, and supervise meals according to safeguarding rules. Your plan should be communicated and regularly reviewed with the nursery. It’s best to discuss your wishes with the nursery manager or key worker.

Hi @PedroPedroPedro. Not always - childminders run their care from their own homes, so allergens (like pets, nuts, dairy, etc.) may be present. However, many will adapt meals and routines to meet a child’s allergy needs, and some advertise as “allergen-aware” or “allergen-free.” Under the EYFS safer eating requirements (Sept 2025), all childcare providers must identify allergies, follow individual plans, prevent cross-contamination, and supervise meals safely for each child. It’s best to ask each childminder directly about their household and policies.

Hello @Beabeautiful :) Most early years settings have enough staff to maintain routines, and they can safely store, prepare, and warm breast milk or formula. Feeding records are kept and can be requested, in line with the EYFS nutrition guidance supporting breastfeeding, safe formula preparation, and safer eating practices.

You can check a setting’s food quality by:

-Requesting menus and asking about ingredients and sourcing.
-Asking about cooking methods (fresh vs. pre-packaged).
-Checking nutrition policies and compliance with government guidelines.
-Visiting during mealtimes to see portions, variety, and food prep.
-Asking if they accommodate preferences like mostly vegetables, minimal salt, or special diets.

This gives a clear picture of whether meals are balanced and wholesome. You can be confident a nursery provides a balanced, high-quality diet if they follow the EYFS nutrition guidance (Sept 2025): offer varied, nutritious meals, plan and record menus, accommodate dietary needs, and maintain food safety. Checking menus, meal records, and staff practices helps ensure quality.

Hope that helps @jacqui5366!