Nursery visits

I’ve worked in a nursery for 7 years and these are some of the questions we get asked How does their key worker system work, will they have a co key worker How do you get updates on your child e.i tapestry and how often do you update on them Silly one but if your child is going to be doing a bank holiday will you get it as a make up or do you have to pay Even ask if they do make ups maybe if your child is poorly If they don’t offer meals do they have any snacks Whats the nursery’s routine some are really strict where others are following the child Do they have set sleep times or will they again follow the child’s needs If your child is on milk what’s their policy. My nursery we had to have everything weighed up so the water and the milk powder and then just added it together and warm it up but other nurseries I know you can sign the milk in and they make it all fresh. I’m so sorry that’s a lot of information but may be helpful

- Cost for a full day / half day? - Do they do tax free childcare? - Drop off / pick up times - What meals are provided? - Are nappies and wipes provided? - What’s their nap schedule / routine? - Ratio of children to staff - How will they update you? e.g. via an app - Do they have an outdoor play area? - Do they go out on excursions? - Christmas holiday opening times - Do they have their own peg or cubby hole? (We keep an extra puddle suit, wellies, hat etc at nursery) and bring a change of clothes in her bag because they get super messy.

An odd one that I didn't ask is whether they do breakfast! I just assumed it was included as one of their meals but ours don't and now mornings are a nightmare! Another one that caught me out is on settling in sessions and whether you can stay for them. Again, I assumed I could but ours didn't allow that which I was not prepared for!

Hey….on the subject of private nurseries, how soon can you register interest? (Pre labour) as I know the nurseries in my area often have a 20+ month wait list 🙃