Looking for a nursery? Here's some top expert tips to consider

How do you know which nursery is the right one for you and your child? Here Sam Othen, National Children’s Services Manager at Nuffield Health, provides her top tips to consider when picking a nursery.

Check the certifications:

Check its Ofsted rating. An Ofsted rating takes into account factors such as standards of care, safety, the nursery environment and child development and can provide a snapshot of a nursery and further information. Feel free to discuss this rating with the nursery, as well as details about any other relevant standards, certifications or awards.

Take a tour:

All nurseries should be able to provide you with a tour of the facilities. Look out for happy and engaged children, plenty of toys, games and educational resources, entry systems, cleanliness, and professional, friendly staff. Think of questions you have in advance and take a list with you.

What else is on offer?

Many nurseries offer extra-curricular activities which can be great for your child’s learning and development. Nuffield Health nurseries offer baby yoga*, swimming*, French lessons* and even baby massage. We can also provide baby massage training classes for parents so that the technique can be used at home too.

Staff turnover:

A nursery should be a dependable and familiar place for children. Ask questions about staff turnover to give you an indication of stability within the team and reassurance that your child will have a consistent key worker.

Nutrition:

If your child is having mealtimes at nursery find out all you can about the food that is provided - is it nutritionally balanced? Where is it prepared? Can they accommodate children with food allergies? This way you can feel confident that your child is enjoying the same level as nutrition as they would at home and that their dietary requirements are being met.

Outdoor space:

It is important that children have access to an outdoor space to encourage them to be active. Check that the nursery has either its own outdoor space, or easy access to outdoor space nearby, that your child can enjoy.

Costs:

peak to nursery staff regarding costs. Find out if the advertised price covers nappies, food and any additional services or if you’ll have to allow additional budget. Depending on how you’re going to be paying for your childcare, it is also worth finding out if they accept childcare voucher or offer any funding.

Nuffield Health Nuffy Bear Day Nurseries offer Ofsted-registered childcare for children between three months and five years old. They follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and also educate your child on the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, guided by experts in our modern facilities.

Nuffield Health Nuffy Bear Day Nurseries accept childcare vouchers and funding for those aged two, three or four. Free junior fitness memberships to Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centres are given if a child attends full-time, along with one free adult membership per child.

For further information visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/nursery

Last updated Friday 28 December 2018

First published on Friday 7 August 2015