Nursery tour

Some examples: To know about fees in detail and what’s included in that (some provide nappies for example, others don’t, others charge extra per meal etc), What time they open/close and pick up late fees, Sickness/illness policy (some have a zero tolerance like my friend nursery won’t allow even a runny nose, where as I think that’s extreme and wanted more flexibility), do they go on any trips, will they administer medication as required as not all will, what’s the settling in process

As an ex nursery manager I’d ask: -the ethos of the nursery. Are you Montessori? Play based? And how that’s implemented - double check ratios in the rooms and how they are maintained during the day. -how observations are taken and recorded (usually an app) but are they snapshot type pictures of them enjoying their day or more formal set up learning objectives - how often they are going outside & what their policies is with outdoor clothing or suncream - how their key person system works & jf they have buddies for when the key person is off - how often they use agency staff - what meal times are like and the menus - safety procedures and how many staff are first aid trained I’d probably also ask the type of activities they do and how often activities are set up and provided for the children IE painting, messy play etc xxx

Also be aware to take ofsted results with a pinch of salt, nurseries are given notice they are coming and I’ve spent many a night at my nursery preparing around rushing around making sure it’s all perfect! You’ll know in your gut if it’s the right nursery for you and your little one 😊 xx

I remember asking how much they play outside and whether they have meals outside, because it was important to me. Also what everyone above said

I’d also add, security procedures. Codes on doors / gates outside. Security process if you don’t pick and say grandparents do etc.

What activities do they do? Our nursery has people that come in and do classes such as football or baby ballet (it costs extra) and if they get taken out in the community? Some nurseries won't take them out if they have a huge garden to play in. Ours get taken out regularly. Some parents like that idea and some don't. It depends what you want. But most of the time you will get a good feeling for a place x

Honestly you’ll just get a ‘feel’ as to whether or not you like it!! My main things were ratio, ages of the rooms and when they go up/ change, and activities - including activity trays, painting, water play etc. I went to a few nursery’s where it was dark, and literally just kids in a room playing. No structure just a free froal was a mess random toys all over the place and I hated it.

people have already given great advice but the right nursery will definitely FEEL right and the right nursery will answer most questions without you even needing to ask them☺️