Visiting a childcare provider

Things to think about during your visit

When visiting potential settings these questions and tips should help you choose the best setting for your family.

• Ratio of staff to children – there should be at least:
  • 1 staff to 3 children for under 2s
  • 1 staff to 5 children for 2-3 year olds
  • 1 staff to 8 children for 3-5 year olds 
  • 1 staff to 13 children for 3-5 year olds where there is a qualified teacher
• Staff have qualifications/experience
• Staff care for and interact with the children
• Children seem happy and content
• Adequate equipment, toys and play materials
• Type of activities organised
• Are snacks provided?
• Ways in which parents are involved
• Are the children settled, safe and happy?
• Do children play and talk together?
• Are staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
• Are the staff friendly and enjoying their work?
• Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?
• Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play?
• Are the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
• Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

Things to ask

Here are some questions you may like to ask the nursery when you visit:

• What are the policies of the nursery?
• Do you keep records and in what form?
• What areas/rooms will my child be using?
• Will my child have a key worker and if so who?
• What activities are provided and do the children play outside regularly?
• How is the day constructed – playtime, meals and rest period?
• What training, experience and qualifications does the staff have?
• What are your fees, do I pay for sickness and holidays?
• What opportunities are there for parents to be involved? 
• How many other children do you look after and what are their ages?
• Do you cater for dietary requirements?
• Are you open all year, early morning and late evenings?
• What is the settings settling in policy?
• Do children have regular opportunities to go on visits 
• How can parents support with their child’s learning here and at home?
• What if I have any concerns about my child’s development?
• Are the staff welcoming and enthusiastic?

Issues to consider

• Make second visits to nurseries you liked
• Take your child with you to see how they get on
• Be clear about what type of care you require
• Be prepared to spend time settling your child into new surroundings
• Prepare a list of questions to ask