A day nursery is by definition a ‘service’ for parents who need or wish to have their children looked after during the day.

People use day nurseries for many reasons, to allow their child time to socialise with other children before starting school, because they themselves are working full or part time, to enable them to purse their own activities e.g. : having a baby, family member in hospital.

Children may attend day nurseries full time, part time, for full days or for part days as long as there is provision for that pattern of attendance. The majority of day nurseries are provided by the independent sector.

When choosing a day nursery it is important to visit several. Decide first whether you want the facility to be near where you work or near where you live. Choosing locally to your home may mean that friends made by your child at the nursery may continue into school.

• What ages does the nursery cater for?
• How long has the nursery been established, do you know any one who has previously used it?
• Does the nursery accept childcare vouchers is it registered to accept Government funding ?

Before you enroll your child at the day nursery consider the following points:

The Premises
Are they bright cheerful and ‘user friendly.’ Does the day nursery have sole use of the premises, are they easily accessible? Day nurseries are inspected by Ofsted a report is then written. These can usually be accessed on line. When you look around the nursery look at toilets, kitchens are all in good repair and clean. Is the garden used and appropriately resourced? Is the nursery reasonably quiet is the layout designed for children – are the children’s works displayed on the walls?

Is there a quiet room where you can speak confidentially or where your child could rest?
Look at safety - fire extinguishers, windows and doors safe from inquisitive hands. Is there plenty of light, is the floor covering safe. Heating adequate and protection in place, electric sockets covered or at appropriate height to prevent children placing items in the sockets.

Does the nursery have First Aiders on duty at all times, is the environment non smoking?
Imagine when you look around that you are small children is the environment attractive?

The Staff
When looking around the nursery are the staff communicating appropriately with the children – are they friendly do the children appear to be happy and involved with play. Are the needs of the children being met?

It is a good idea to ask about the qualifications of the owner or manager of the nursery and what is the ratio of staff, how many members of staff are qualified. How many students are training within the nursery?

What policies and procedures are in place is there a staff development policy.
Most nurseries will offer introductory sessions what form do these take and are these charged? Are children with Special Needs catered for and is there enough staff to cope with their needs?

Equipment and Toys
Are all the toys and equipment in good condition are there enough items of different types available? Can the children access these? Is there a daily routine and do the children go outside, Are any outings taking place and if so what format do these take?

Children should be offered a variety of different activities to develop a whole range of skills there should be drawing and painting junk modelling craft activities imaginative play opportunities and small world toys available.

Play with natural materials like sand and water using wheeled toys helps to develop the children’s basic mathematical skills. Intellectual skills can be developed by the use of jigsaw books and board games. A range of physical activities should be offered to promote development also music equipment should be available. Are the resources multi cultural?

What is the nursery admissions policy?

• Is the policy fair to all children is there a prospectus are rules and regulations clearly displayed.
• Are the fees charged and payment methods clearly set out?
• What procedures are in place for accidents and illness?
• How do staff monitor the collection of children?
• Is the nursery insured and can the nursery cater for a variety of dietary needs?
• Will they be willing to celebrate any customs and events from other cultures?

It is a good idea to have a short list of questions to ask when you visit the nursery often when looking around you can forget to ask some simple question which is very important for you and your child’s happiness. The need of the child is of paramount importance.