A Guide to Choosing a Nursery

If you are considering finding a place for your child at nursery school, it is essential to recognise that it marks a significant turning point for both you and your little one. To ensure success and to find a nursery where they are happy and contented it is important to get everything right from the start.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of finding and choosing a nursery for your child? Our informative guide for parents is here to help. With our support, we'll ensure that you consider all the key factors when starting your search and making an application for a nursery. We believe in empowering parents with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their child's education from day one.

When To Begin Your Nursery Search

When it comes to applying for a nursery school there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the best time. Each family must decide what works best based on their circumstances and the essential factors they need to consider. It is advisable to start your search as soon as you can as many day nurseries have waiting lists and some of more than 12 months.

If you're worried about childcare costs don't forget to check if you qualify for support. The government have introduced 15 hours of funded childcare for children over the age of 2, in September this will also include children over the age of 9 months. You can find out everything you need to know and if you qualify here.

Don't wait to find a suitable nursery for your child. Rushing through this process or leaving it too late could result in settling on an unsuitable option or missing out altogether due to limited availability at the nurseries you like the most. Take time early on to explore all your options thoroughly and carefully consider each one before making any final decisions. This will help ensure that you are confident about choosing what is best suited for you and your child or children.

The importance of finding a good nursery can’t be overstated. To ensure that you secure the best possible care for your child it is essential to research and identify any suitable options early on. It will allow your child access to quality education at an earlier stage by enrolling on nursery waiting lists as soon as possible.

If you are pregnant or on maternity leave and have a general idea of when you plan to return to work then consider exploring nearby nurseries as soon as you can. This will give you an understanding of the available locations and facilities that may suit your needs when you go back to work.

If your child has never attended a nursery or been away from you before it's a good idea to start getting them used to it as soon as possible. This might be them spending an hour at first with family or friends and then increasing that as they get used to it. This will get them more familiar with you not always being around and can make the transition to nursery much better for them and you.

When you’ve decided on a nursery then booking some settling-in sessions for a few hours at a time is a great way for them to get to know their surroundings, the nursery staff and just how much fun they’ll have when they are there.

Doing this as early as you can will help them when they go to nursery when you return to work. Settling in sessions gives children an opportunity to start developing important socialisation skills while also gaining exposure to new environments outside of their home life.

How do you look for the nurseries that may be suitable?

The internet is an excellent resource that can help you narrow down your options and list of nurseries. Start by searching for nurseries in the locations that would work for you. Look at any Google reviews for each one. Go onto their website and have a good look around and how does it make you feel? Don’t ever just use these things as a tool for finding a nursery that suits your child as it may be completely different to what you imagine when you visit them and meet the staff.

Ask family members, friends, and neighbours about any recommendations they may have regarding nurseries they've used themselves or know people who have used them. A personal nursery review and recommendation is a great way of finding a nursery but again what may be good for one child may not be good for another so always book a visit with them if the location is what you're looking for.

Ask anyone who makes a recommendation for a nursery questions like;

"What did their children enjoy most at the nursery?"

“What did you as a parent/carer like most about the nursery?

"Were there any areas where improvements were needed?"

"If given another chance would you choose the same nursery and if not why not?"

Their answers should give valuable insight into what qualities are important when selecting a suitable nursery for your childcare needs.

Alternatively, consider reaching out to parents whose children attend or previously attended local nurseries; this approach allows one to gain first-hand knowledge on what makes certain ones stand out from others based on personal experiences.

If you're struggling to find someone close by who can provide recommendations for a service or product consider joining your local Facebook pages. This platform allows users to connect with others in their community and share valuable insights on what they have found helpful. By asking why people would recommend something specific, you may gain deeper insight into its benefits beyond just reading online forums and reviews. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals.

Nursery Visits - How To Arrange Them

Once you've identified your potential selection of nurseries that meet both your and your child's needs based on your research, give them a call, email them, or use their contact page on their website to schedule a visit.

Good nurseries will welcome and want you to visit, and it will allow you to see firsthand what they have to offer before making any final decisions about where to enrol your little one for care.

Visiting potential childcare settings will provide valuable insight into their services beyond what is presented online. Observing the children's interactions with staff members helps gauge overall happiness levels within this environment while also seeing the available toys and equipment. Ultimately, visiting them allows parents an opportunity to ask questions and make informed decisions based on firsthand experiences rather than solely relying upon website information alone when selecting a nursery provider.

Whether you choose to visit nurseries on your own or bring along your child both options have their benefits. By bringing them with you they'll be able to see it firsthand and see how they are when there. In addition to this, seeing their reactions can give you an idea of what kind of environment might work best for them if you are unsure. Going on your own initially means you can fully focus on your time there, take everything in and ask lots of questions without being distracted. You can always arrange another meeting after if you feel the nursery is a good fit for your child.

Before your initial visit

Before you visit a nursery consider what's essential, what is non-negotiable for you and what would be a bonus so that when you are there and speaking with team members these are at the top of your mind. It's really important to get to know the carers as much as you do when you visit so you gauge how they approach their role and caring for the children.

Take a list of questions with you

Different nursery visits can sometimes cause fatigue and make it difficult to differentiate between them. To avoid this issue, always have a set of questions prepared beforehand that you ask each nursery if they don’t cover it during your visit with them.

When you leave make a note of the things that you liked, the benefits, why it would suit your child and anything that you are unsure of, very much like a nursery checklist. You may not find the perfect nursery but this will help you narrow down your favourite. Don't ever compromise if there is something essential for you that the nursery doesn't have or offer, or if it doesn't feel right.

Also, adding their enrollment and waiting list, nursery policy, policies and timelines will really help you when you narrow down your choices.

Criteria to think about when visiting and choosing a nursery

As you begin your search for a suitable nursery it is essential to consider what is most important to you. Making sure that the facility meets all of these criteria will ensure that you and your child have an enjoyable experience when their nursery sessions start.

Firstly think about the location of the nursery, how far it is away from home or your place of work and if you don’t have transport, is it walkable or easy to get to on public transport? Location is an important factor to consider when choosing a nursery.

Will family and friends be helping you with drop off and pick up and how does a location work for them?

Does the nursery have parking facilities and if not, how easy is it to park when you are dropping off or picking up?

What activities do you think your child will enjoy when they're at nursery? Perhaps they'd thrive with music or creative arts. Does your child love the outdoors so is it essential there is good quality outdoor equipment and space they can use every time they are there? Don't overlook indoor vs outdoor facilities as some children may prefer more active playtime outside while others might benefit from quieter spaces inside instead. Each individual child is different and has different needs, and a good nursery will understand and cater for this.

How many hours per week do you require? Will they be the same days and hours each week? This could vary depending on work schedules or other commitments. school runs etc.. Ask if these days and hours are possible.

Budgeting wisely is also crucial when choosing between different options so always ask if they accept childcare vouchers through a work scheme if your employer has one set up.

Ask the nursery, and do your research when it comes to any funded childcare hours you are entitled to. You can find out more about the government's newly funded childcare schemes in our informative article here.

As parents we all want our children to receive nutritious foods and meals while attending nursery. What meals and snacks are included in the nursery costs, is the food freshly prepared, and on or off-site?

Ask what you are expected to supply for each session your child attends, milk, nappies, snacks etc.

Ask how many settling-in sessions your child can do, and if there is a cost to these. Ask what qualifications the nursery staff have at the nurseries you go and see.

Look around the nursery setting and what do you see? The happy faces of the children and the staff are a good indication of the nursery. When assessing a nursery, it’s essential to pay attention to the happiness levels of the children being cared for, and their overall wellbeing.

Are there any signs that showcase creativity through artwork or other projects completed by children themselves? These factors can reveal a lot about the activities and the key development focus of a nursery by age group. Is the decor bright and fresh? Is the children's work displayed on the walls?

Ask how the sessions are planned for each age group every day. Ask what types of sessions and play happen each day.

Find out what the routine is each day including meal and snack times, sleep and nap times, outdoor play, reading time, quiet time etc.

Check your child will have an individual key worker and how their day is communicated to you. Some nurseries will do a handover at the start and end of the session, and some nurseries will have an app for the parents of children so you can see what your child has done each day, what they have eaten, any milestones they have reached and any relevant daily updates you need.

Ask if they have a waiting list and if they think they could have a space for your child for the days, times and start date you are considering.

What is their staff-to-children ratio for the different age groups?

What is their staff turnover, this often indicates the morale of the team. Happy staff leads to happy children.

Should you look for a nursery near your home or work?

It depends on the different locations and what the traffic will be like at the times you will be dropping off and picking up. If it is always busy then it may be better to book your child into a nursery closer to work as at least you know you won’t get held up and be late picking them up.

The benefits of a nursery close to home or the school they might start are that they and you will make friends who live nearby, and possibly start school together which is always a nice thing for them as it brings familiarity to quite a big step up in their lives.

How do you look for the nurseries in your area that may be suitable?

The internet is an excellent resource that can help you narrow down your options and list of nurseries. Start by searching for nurseries in the locations that would work for you. Look at any Google reviews for each one. Go onto their website and have a good look around and how does it make you feel? Don’t ever just use these things as a tool for finding a nursery that suits your child as it may be completely different to what you imagine when you visit them and meet the staff.

Ask family members, friends, and neighbours about any recommendations they may have regarding nurseries they've used themselves or know people who have. A personal nursery

review and recommendation is a great way of finding a nursery but again what may be good for one person may not be good for another so always book a visit with them if the location is just what you're looking for.

Ask them questions like "What did they enjoy most?" “What did you like most about the nursery? "Were there any areas where improvements were needed?" "If given another chance would you choose the same nursery and if not why?" Their answers should give valuable insight into what qualities are important when selecting a suitable facility for your childcare needs.

Alternatively, consider reaching out to parents whose children attend or previously attended local nurseries; this approach allows one to gain first-hand knowledge on what makes certain ones stand out from others based on personal experiences.

If you're struggling to find someone close by who can provide recommendations for a service or product consider joining your local Facebook pages. This platform allows users to connect with others in their community and share valuable insights on what they have found helpful. By asking why people would recommend a nursery, you may gain deeper insight into its benefits beyond just reading online forums and reviews. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals.

The application process

The application process for nurseries can vary but typically involves filling out forms online and submitting paperwork. You will often need to provide a deposit to secure your child's space. Remember that each nursery will have its requirements so be sure to review them carefully before proceeding with any steps towards enrollment.

When choosing a nursery for your child pay attention to how you feel about it. Your gut instinct can provide valuable insight into whether or not this is the right fit for both of you. Remember that leaving them behind will be challenging at first until they settle so make sure you're completely confident in their care before making any final decisions and completing an application.

Starting and settling in

When selecting a childcare provider it's essential to ask the nursery how theft will help your little one feel comfortable and settle in their new environment. Many providers offer settling-in sessions that start with an hour and gradually increase up to three hours over time. These sessions are particularly helpful if you're returning to work as it allows for easy drop-offs without feeling distracted by concerns about leaving them behind.

When choosing a nursery, there are many factors to consider, including:

Are the staff friendly and caring?
How do they interact with children during your visit; do they seem engaged or disinterested?

Check if it's clean and fresh inside, this is important for both hygiene reasons as well as creating an inviting and positive atmosphere.

Healthy meals and snacks being provided on-site should be included in any decision-making process.

When considering a nursery for your child it's important to evaluate the security procedures in place. their policies regarding pick up and release of children should be clearly defined so that you can feel confident about leaving them there each day. This can be a password or passcode that you and nominated people have to give when picking your child up at the end of their session. Are the outside doors of the nursery secure?

Assessing what care options are available, full days or half days and do these have to be set days and time is crucial when deciding on which provider best suits your needs.

Does the nursery offer childcare up until primary school age?

The hours during which they operate will play an essential role as it may impact how much time you have with your little one outside of work hours.

Does the nursery provide all year-round childcare provision, or just term times, as this will significantly impact you if you are going back to work and mean you will need to find alternative childcare in the school holidays.

Analysing the childcare costs associated with enrolling at the nursery, what and if you are entitled to any funded childcare hours will help determine whether or not it fits within budget while still providing quality care for your loved ones.

Meals, snacks, drinks, milk, as well as nappies, must all be factored into overall expenses before making your final decision.

When choosing a nursery for your child it's essential to ask plenty of questions before making any decisions. Don't hesitate if you have doubts and reach out by phone or arrange another visit until all your questions and concerns are addressed satisfactorily. A good quality nursery will appreciate this level of involvement from parents and be happy to provide ample support throughout every step of the process.

About Mama Bears Day Nursery

We understand that every family has unique childcare needs which is why we offer both full and half-day sessions at each of our nurseries located in the South West.

We provide childcare for babies as young as three months old up until pre-school age. With us, you can rest assured knowing your little one will receive the care and development they need while having plenty of time to explore their world with other children around them.

Our nurseries and team are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your child throughout their care and learning journey with us. We recognise that starting at a new nursery can be challenging both emotionally and physically, which is why we strive to offer unwavering support during their time of transition. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident in leaving your little one with us while they learn, grow and develop with us. With years of experience behind us, you can rest assured knowing that your child will receive the best possible start with us.

We are a trusted and respected nursery organisation located in and around the South West. We have day nurseries located throughout Bristol, Yeovil, Taunton, Paignton, Torquay, Plymouth and Bridgwater.

Our skilled teams have extensive experience working within childcare and hold at least Level 3 Childcare certification along with Food Hygiene, Child Protection and First Aid qualifications. We take pride in providing exceptional care and a wide range of activities for your little ones while you're away from them during work hours or other commitments. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

We understand that a child's emotional, social and academic growth is paramount to their overall well-being and this is why we strive to provide them with an environment where they feel secure and comfortable while receiving support from us. Our home-like atmosphere ensures that your little one feels comfortable as soon as they step through our doors.

We understand that life can be unpredictable at times which is why we can sometimes offer ad hoc childcare sessions in addition to your regular hours. Our goal is always the same: ensure a smooth transition for your little one into nursery and foster their love of learning through playtime with us. We work closely alongside parents and carers so that every moment spent here feels like a home away from home.

We accept all main tax free childcare vouchers and support local government funding schemes. These can be used independently or in conjunction with your child care hours and costs for maximum benefit. We strive towards providing comprehensive services tailored specifically towards meeting the needs of you and your child.

Are you interested in learning more about Mama Bears, our nurseries and the type of childcare we offer? Our Contact Us page provides all the details for reaching out to each of our nurseries across the South West. When you get in touch, one of our knowledgeable team will answer any questions you may have and arrange a visit so that you can meet with us in person while observing how we care for children under our supervision. We look forward to hearing from you soon and providing all the answers to questions you may have.