Choosing the right nursery: a parent's checklist
2 min read Last reviewed October 2026 Checked against official guidance
The right nursery is one where your child feels safe, happy and challenged, and where you feel listened to. Use this checklist on every visit so you can compare settings fairly.
2–3
Nurseries worth visiting
1 key person
Assigned to every child
Morning
Best time to see a nursery in action
In this guide
1
Start with the practicals
Before you visit, narrow your shortlist by the things that aren't negotiable.
- Location close to home or work
- Opening hours that fit your commute
- Accepts funded hours in the pattern you need
- Availability for your start date
- Fees within budget
2
On the visit: what to look for
Visit mid-morning if you can, when children are busy. Watch more than you listen, the atmosphere tells you a lot.
- Children look engaged, relaxed and busy
- Staff are down at child level, talking and playing
- Rooms are clean, bright and age-appropriate
- Daily access to outdoor play
- Calm, unhurried mealtimes and nap areas
- Children's work and photos displayed
3
Questions to ask the manager
- Who would be my child's key person?
- How long have staff worked here? What's the turnover like?
- How do you share updates, app, daily sheet, chats at pick-up?
- How do you handle behaviour, allergies and medication?
- What does a typical day look like for my child's age?
- When was your last Ofsted inspection, and what did you learn from it?