How to choose a nursery that feels right for your child

With so many childcare options available, knowing how to choose a nursery can feel overwhelming. Practical things such as childcare costs, working hours and location are important, but there is much more to consider when finding the right nursery for your child.

From the nursery environment to the people caring for your child, here are our top tips to help you make your decision with confidence.

Think about what matters to your family

Before arranging nursery visits, think about what matters most to your family and your child’s individual needs. You may need sessions that fit around your working hours, a convenient location or support with funding and childcare costs. If funding is an important factor for your family, you could look into options such as Tax Free Childcare to help with the cost of your childcare.

It is also worth considering your family’s values. Think about the kind of environment you would like your child to spend their early years in and the experiences you want them to have. Making a shortlist of your priorities will help you compare different nurseries and make your visits more intentional.

Visit the nursery and see it for yourself

A website can tell you about a nursery, but visiting the setting gives you a much better feel for what everyday life is really like.

During your visit, explore the nursery environment and outdoor space. Look at the resources available and consider whether there are opportunities for different types of play, including sensory play, creative activities and open-ended resources.

Ask about a typical day. How are daily routines organised? When do children eat, play and rest? How much time do they spend outdoors? Try to imagine your child immersed in their day there.

Meet the people who will care for your child

The nursery team play an important role in your child’s early years, so take time to meet the Nursery Manager and practitioners, particular the team in the room your child will start in

Ask about team qualifications, team training and team-to-child ratios. You can also ask how the nursery supports ongoing professional development and whether team are first aid trained.

Most importantly, notice how the nursery team interacts with children during your visit. Do they listen to children and respond warmly? Do children seem comfortable approaching them? Does the Nursery Manager know the children’s names? Positive relationships built on mutual respect can help children feel secure and confident.

Find out how children learn and develop

The early years are an important time for child development, so ask how the nursery supports children’s learning through play and everyday experiences. Nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (link), which sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years. Additionally, all Grandir UK nurseries make use of our educational programmes to extend learning even more and offer children a unique and meaningful early years experience.

Ask how practitioners support children’s individual interests and develop skills such as communication, independence and social development. You could also ask how your child’s progress is monitored and shared with you. At Grandir UK nurseries, children’s learning and progress are captured and shared through the Grandir UK app, helping families stay connected to their child’s day, experiences and achievements. It allows for parent partnership, an important relationship at all Grandir UK nurseries.

Look at the opportunities to learn outdoors

Outdoor learning can be a valuable part of a child’s nursery experience. When you visit, take a look at the outdoor space and ask how children use it throughout the year. Find out about opportunities for physical activity, exploring nature, growing their own vegetables and encouraging curiosity outdoors.

Think about what your child enjoys. If they love running, climbing and exploring, does the setting offer plenty of opportunities to be active? If they are naturally curious, are there spaces and resources that encourage them to investigate?

Ask about settling-in and wellbeing

Starting nursery is a big change, particularly for babies and toddlers, so ask how the setting helps children settle. Find out how the child’s key person is introduced and how practitioners support children who need a little more time to feel comfortable.

You can also ask how the nursery supports emotional wellbeing and social skills, and how practitioners communicate with families about their child’s experiences.

Clear communication can make the transition into nursery much easier for everyone.

Check the practical details

Once you have found a nursery that feels promising, make sure the practical details work for your family too. Ask about opening hours, full day versus half day sessions, childcare costs, funding and what happens if your circumstances change. If the nursery is popular, ask whether there is a waiting list and how far in advance you need to secure a place.

You can also read the nursery’s Ofsted report to find out more about the setting.

Trust your instincts

There is no single checklist for choosing a nursery. What works for one family may not be right for another. Think about everything you have seen and heard during your nursery visits. Did the nursery team take the time to understand your child? Did you feel welcomed? Could you picture your child feeling safe, happy and confident there?

Ultimately, the right nursery should feel like an environment where your child can build relationships, develop their confidence and thrive in their early years.

Visit our Autumn Open Day on 2 or 3 October*

If you are currently looking for or choosing a nursery, now is the perfect time to experience a Grandir UK nursery for yourself.

Our Grandir UK Autumn Open Day takes place on 2 or 3 October*, giving you the chance to meet our nursery team, explore our early years environments and outdoor spaces, and ask all the questions that matter to you.

With our Autumn Open Day coming up next week, we recommend booking your visit as soon as possible. Come along and discover what makes our nurseries special!

Find your nearest Grandir UK nursery and book your Open Day visit today.

*Dates vary by nursery. Please check the Autumn Open Day event page to confirm your local nursery date.