Choosing a nursery
Is nursery school right for your child?
What should parents be looking out for to know whether starting nursery is the right step? There are no hard and fast rules about which type of nursery is best, so it will likely come down to your child’s age, what kind of learning you want them to have, how often you need it, the best location, and costs.
Social skills and interaction with others are key. For some children, a nursery is the perfect place for this; others may get plenty of opportunities for mixing and socialising with friends at local parent/toddler groups and classes.
You may feel your child is independent enough to cope with a structured early-years setting, that they would benefit from time away from you with other children, or that they are getting all they need at home.
Check out different settings — playgroups, nurseries, pre-schools, parents and tots — so you know you are making an informed decision.
Consider cost and practicalities such as timing and travel.
Don't be put off by what others say, or by your own dim, distant memories. Visit, look at the other children — can you envisage your child there?
Choosing the right nursery environment
Some children thrive in busy purposeful environments with plenty of bustle; others prefer calm, ordered environments. Some parents firmly believe their children should be free to explore, experiment, and lead their learning, others feel young children need routine, boundaries, and rules. Whatever your thoughts, you should look to find a nursery that will:
Work with you and listen to your child
Work from your child's current development stage and needs, not from pre-conceived notions of what a 2, 3, or 4-year-old should do
Seek to develop your child's confidence
Encourage good behaviour and co-operation
Develop an awareness of, and sensitivity to, others and their feelings
Be interested in the personal, social, and emotional development of your child
Finding a nursery
Think about your ideal location — close to home, family, or work? If there is a good nursery on your doorstep, great. If not, weigh up the benefits of travelling further afield for a great setting, versus the extra effort this will require.
Work out your budget — nursery costs vary massively, although you may be eligible for up to 30 free hours of childcare a week and tax-free childcare for each child, see https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/childcare-calc/
Consider how much, and how often, you will need your child to be cared for. It’s no good opting for a term-time-only nursery that only offers half-days if you need full days covered all year round (unless you’re prepared to top it up with a nanny or help from grandparents).
If you have a younger child, check the nursery’s minimum age range.
If you have your heart set on a particular junior school (state or independent), speak to them to see if (a) they have a linked nursery that could work for you or (b) if there are particular nurseries they recommend (and ask why). Note that attendance at a nursery attached to a state school usually has no bearing on getting a place that that school, but some independent school nurseries do give priority to those already in their nursery.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family.
If possible, speak with current parents (better still arrive at a time when other parents are around so that you can strike up a casual conversation). Do their ideas and thoughts about the nursery match your aspirations?
Read the latest inspection reports — but bear in mind that Ofsted may mark a nursery down for aspects that don’t bother you.
Always visit before accepting a place. Even if your heart is set on a particular nursery, visit several so you can get a better understanding of what they offer and a clearer idea of what will best suit your child.
When to register with a nursery
Much depends on where you live, the type of nursery you require, and how difficult it is to bag a place. If both parents are working, plan ahead. Sussing out places before you have your baby can save a lot of leg work and hassle later, when tot will be in tow. Do revisit, though — nurseries can change very quickly, especially in areas with high staff turnover, and keep an eye on inspection reports.
Some early years provision is wonderfully flexible, operating on an almost drop-in basis, but if you are seeking out a pre-school, pre-prep, or popular nursery you may have to plan and register well in advance, even during pregnancy.
Shortage of places used to be a London-only concern but these days it has spread to other areas.
Before you sign up
Do the working hours/term times suit you and your child?
Are they flexible about pick-up and drop-off times?
Can you sign up for different hours on different days? If not, does this matter to you?
Do you have to pay a retainer (or even full fees) for holidays?
What happens if your child is ill? What happens if other children are ill?
Do you want a structured learning environment, or the more relaxed Steiner or forest school-type setting? If you are unsure, visit a selection before deciding.
Be flexible
Don't feel you have to stick with your initial choice. Children change and may grow out of their original nursery. Your own ideas of what you want may change too. Top tip: don’t get too het up about how well a nursery will prepare your child for certain junior schools — if they are not happy there, they are unlikely to be confident and keen to learn at the next stage, so a gentler setting may be better.
