Choosing a nursery school

Plan ahead

You might still be worrying about morning sickness or which buggy to buy but if you are planning to go back to work in your baby’s first year, you need to start thinking about nurseries NOW. In many areas there is a long waiting list for the most popular nurseries while at others – famously Fordwych Nursery in West Hampstead, London – each year parents queue through the night to secure a place for their child. Steph Cawley, Mum of two year old Matthew said: “In my area, nursery places are a hot commodity and need to be reserved at least 12 months in advance.”

Decide what you need

Do you need the nursery to be open early or late? Do you need it to be close to home or to an older child’s school? Make a list of both essential and desirable elements to a nursery and refer to it while you search.

Think about what you can afford

Nursery fees can be expensive – the typical cost of a full-time nursery place for a child under 2 was £152 per week in England, £146 in Scotland and £131 in Wales in 2007, according to The Daycare Trust – higher in London and the South East. Depending on your income help may be available through tax credits – to find out if you are eligible visit www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk or call 0845 300 3900. Some employers offer childcare vouchers – part of your salary is paid tax-free but can only be used for childcare. Three and four year olds are entitled to 12.5 hours of free nursery care per week (15 hours in some local authorities) – either at an LEA nursery or through the nursery grant which can part-fund your child at a private nursery.

Consult the mums’ grapevine

Talk to other parents and read nursery reviews. Where do their children go to nursery? What do they think of it? Another mother’s opinion can often be more telling than an OFSTED report. Mum of two Victoria Richardson said: “I learned a lot more about the various local nurseries from chatting to other mothers at playgroups than I did through online research. Personal recommendations also meant I could feel more comfortable about my final choice.”

Visit your shortlist

The only way to really get a feel for a nursery and whether your child will fit in there is to visit.

• Does it feel warm and welcoming?
• Are there lots of fun and educational activities on offer?
• Do the children seem happy and cared for? Does the staff seem enthusiastic?
• Most importantly, can you imagine your child being happy there? 

Remember appearances are not as important as a warm and friendly atmosphere. Mum of three Sarah Thoroughgood said: “My daughter Maddie’s nursery is very loving and friendly, but a bit on the tatty side!  I looked at places with great decor, equipment and nurse style uniforms, but they just didn’t fell right.  I know that while I am working that Maddie will get loads of affection.  When I pick her up she goes around all the staff to give them a hug before she goes! My nursery invites prospective parents to pop in at any time, I would be wary of ones that ask you to attend at a set time.  Always make a second unannounced visit to get a feel for how they operate when they are not on show!”

What about lunch?

If your child is going to stay at nursery over lunchtime you need to find out whether you need to provide a packed lunch or if the nursery provides food. If it is the latter, find out what a typical lunch might be. Rebecca West, Marketing Manager at Organix  suggests: “Ask about the nursery’s food policy. Look out for little or no processed food and ideally the involvement of children in food preparation. Nurseries should provide a good eating environment for the children and incorporate learning about health and eating into the child’s day.”

Ask questions

These might include:

• What is a typical daily routine?
• What is your staff to child ratio?
• What qualifications does your staff have? How long have they worked here?
• How do you deal with discipline?
• How do you keep me informed of my child’s progress?
• Will my child have a key worker?
• If my child has any allergies or special needs, how will these be managed?
• Where can my child rest?
• Can I book extra ad-hoc sessions? What does this cost? 
• You should also ask to see the nursery’s registration certificate and latest inspection report.

Sign on the dotted line

Once you have settled on a nursery, sign your child up as places are limited and you don't want to still be on the waiting list as your date to return to work nears. If the nursery is private, you may have to put down a non-refundable deposit.