Choosing a nursery
3 - 6 Months
   

Choosing a nursery

#DayToDayLife
Wondering how to pick a nursery? Entrusting the care of your baby or toddler to someone else means you can choose to go back to work. Here are some things to consider when choosing a nursery.

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Many nurseries have waiting lists so it is never too early to start choosing a nursery
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Consider that you and your child might need time to adjust to childcare arrangements.
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Consider the location of the nursery. Will it be more convenient nearer home or your place of work? Try childcare.co.uk to search for nurseries using your postcode.
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Consider the time it takes you to get there and how you would get there.
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Talk to other parents using facilities locally to you and find out their experiences.
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Read OFSTED reports to see if the standards meet your requirements or check out forums to see what local parents think.
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Make a shortlist of places and try to view as many of them as possible.
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Consider taking your child on these visits too if you can.
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Consider how you and your child are greeted at the nursery
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Observe your child’s reactions to the staff, setting and other children.
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Consider if the other children seem settled and happy.
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Consider if the staff are attentive to the children and to each other.
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Ask what activities your child might be involved in during the day.
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As if the nursery keeps records of the children. Could they show you an example?
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Ask what provisions are made for naps or quiet time.
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Ask about meals and nutrition and how they deal with fussy eaters or specific dietary requirements.
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Ask about toileting and potty-training policies.
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Ask if nappies and formula feed are included, if you’re formula feeding.
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Ask about settling in periods.
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Ask about staff ratios. Are they in line with government guidelines? What happens when people are off sick or on leave?
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Ask what safeguards are in place for other people picking up my child.
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Ask about the childcare costs and what you may be entitled to under government schemes. Also, check if they accept childcare vouchers.
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Check the availability of places. Some nursery places need to be booked up to a year ahead.
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Find out what the nursery’s daily hours are and if these apply all year round or just to term times.
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