1. As yourselves – is the nursery location convenient for us in terms of commute?
2. What are the operating hours of the nursery?
3. Is the nursery registered with the appropriate regulatory authority and meets safety standards?
4. What is the staff-to-child ratio, and how are the staff qualified and experienced?
5. Can you provide details about the curriculum or approach to early education?
6. How are children’s progress and development tracked and communicated to parents? Daily/weekly/monthly reports?
7. What is the nursery’s policy on meals and snacks? Are they provided, and are dietary restrictions accommodated?
8. How are discipline and behaviour management handled at the nursery?
9. What is the procedure for sick child care, emergencies, and first aid? What are the specific policies?
10. Are there outdoor play areas, and what activities are available for physical development?
11. What are the nursery’s procedures around potty training and nappy changing?
12. What are the fees and payment schedules? Are there any additional costs or financial assistance options?
13. Can you provide references or testimonials from other parents?
14. How do you handle settling in and transitions (such as moving from nursery to school, or moving on to the next class up)?
15. Are there any specific policies related to holidays, closures, or absences?
16. Can you describe the security measures in place to ensure the safety of the children?
17. How are parents involved in their child’s nursery experience and education?
18. Are there opportunities for parent-teacher meetings or involvement in the nursery community?
19. What is the daily schedule and routines for children?
20. Are there extracurricular activities or enrichment programs available? E.g. yoga / soft play sessions etc
This is probably one of the first major and hard decisions for you and your toddler. Ultimately you won’t be 100% convinced of any nursery until you see the smile on your baby’s face after a long day at nursery/day care. You can always ask for a trial day – if you don’t ask you don’t get right.
I hope this list helps you as it did for us.
~X~