8 Things to consider when choosing a nursery

A friend recently asked what to consider when picking a nursery, so here are a few ideas for those looking to choose a nursery for the first time. Don’t forget, always ask friends and family if they know of any good ones, and get some feedback from existing parents attending a setting you like, before committing:

1. Location is everything when you have got to get one or more kids out of the door in the morning and still get to work at a reasonable time – consider carefully whether both you / your partner / grandparents can easily get to the setting and park if need be before/after work.
2. Arrange to go and see a few nurseries as this helps you compare their offering and take your child with you, as they can help you decide – you’ll know which one he/she likes almost instantly!
3. Watch how staff deal with sad babies and children whilst your visiting – Nurturing cuddles? Quick to respond?
4. As far off as it might seem, think about what school he/she might go to in the future and use a nursery near that if you can – the kids will make good friends at nursery and then their friendships will often follow them through to school.
5. Always worth looking at recent Ofsted reports for nurseries – when it comes to schools, Ofsted ratings are perhaps less important in Brighton and Hove as they are all generally good schools, and are all oversubscribed, so any ratings may be inconsequential.
6. If possible choose a nursery where hot food is included – there are a number that you need to send a packed lunch every day which is tedious to prepare, and in time, you may be thankful that they have had a hot lunch and can have a snack/sandwich for tea if you’ve had a long day at the office!
7. The best nurseries supply nappies rather than you needing to send in – its just one less thing to do 🙂
8. Outdoor space is important for kids – Some nurseries ferry kids off site in triple prams – not sure about this myself – I think I’d rather they stay where I left them!