BabyDaycares.co.uk Nursery Guides

Questions to Ask a Nursery

Use this practical UK nursery checklist to compare childcare settings, understand fees and funded hours, review safety arrangements and find out how each nursery will support your child.

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Care, Safety & Learning Fees, Hours & Daily Routines

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Prepare for Your Visit

Make a focused list of questions so you can compare nurseries using the same important criteria.

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Plan a More Useful Nursery Tour

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Compare Nursery Costs

Ask what the headline fee includes and whether meals, nappies, registration or late collection cost extra.

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Understand the Full Nursery Bill

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Check Nursery Quality

Look beyond the room décor and ask how staff support development, behaviour, communication and emotional wellbeing.

Choosing Guide

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Build Your Questions to Ask a Nursery Checklist

Select the areas that matter most to your family. The tool will create a personalised summary of the nursery questions to prioritise during your visit, telephone call or open day.

Your Nursery Visit Priorities

Choose every topic you want to discuss. You can use the generated summary as a quick prompt while viewing a nursery.

Child’s Age When Starting Nursery

Expected Attendance Pattern

Topics to Include in Your Checklist

Staff and Key Person Qualifications, continuity, ratios and relationships.

Safety and Safeguarding Security, first aid, accidents and safeguarding.

Daily Routine Sleep, meals, outdoor play and activities.

Learning and Development EYFS, observations, progress and school preparation.

Fees and Extra Charges Deposits, meals, closures and notice periods.

Funded Childcare Codes, stretched hours and optional extras.

Settling-In Process Visits, comfort items and separation support.

Parent Communication Updates, apps, meetings and complaint procedures.

Your Nursery Checklist Will Appear Here

Select your child’s age, attendance pattern and priority topics, then create your personalised nursery-visit summary.

Your Nursery Visit Plan

Recommended Questions to Prioritise 0 Personalised Nursery Checklist

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Ask the same core questions at each nursery and write down the answers immediately. This makes it easier to compare settings fairly after several visits.

A checklist helps you stay organised, but also pay attention to how the nursery feels. Notice whether children appear comfortable, staff respond warmly and the environment feels calm, clean and well supervised.

Four Areas Every Nursery Visit Should Cover

The best questions to ask a nursery cover practical arrangements as well as the quality of care your child will experience each day.

People Staff Experience, Ratios and Key-Person Continuity

Care Routines, Meals, Sleep and Emotional Support

Safety Safeguarding, Security, First Aid and Supervision

Costs Fees, Funding, Extras, Closures and Notice Terms

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Explore Nursery Planning Guides

Continue your childcare research with guides covering costs, comparisons, availability and your child’s first days.

Choosing a Nursery Compare Quality and Practical Fit Nursery Costs Estimate Fees and Extras Nursery Near Me Build a Local Shortlist Starting Nursery Prepare for the First Weeks Nursery Packing Clothes, Comfort and Essentials

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Young children taking part in a supervised activity at nursery — Observe How Staff Communicate, Comfort and Play With Children

Look Beyond the Nursery Brochure

A nursery tour is your opportunity to see how written policies work in practice. Listen to the answers you receive, but also watch how staff interact with children, whether they get down to a child’s level and how quickly they respond when a child needs help.

A good nursery should answer reasonable questions clearly. Staff should be able to explain routines, safeguarding, learning, fees and communication without making you feel rushed or uncomfortable.

Notice whether children appear engaged, relaxed and supported.
Check whether rooms, toilets and outdoor spaces look secure.
Ask to meet the staff who would regularly care for your child.
Request written fee information before paying a deposit.
Record anything you need to clarify after the visit.

Review the Essential Questions

Essential Questions to Ask a Nursery Before Enrolling

Choosing childcare can feel difficult because nurseries may look similar during a short tour. A clear set of questions helps you look beyond presentation and understand what daily life would actually be like for your child.

The most useful questions to ask a nursery cover staff stability, safeguarding, routines, learning, communication and the complete cost of attendance. You should also ask how the nursery would respond to your child’s individual personality, sleep pattern, dietary needs and stage of development.

Practical tip: ask for a written fee schedule, parent handbook, sample menu, settling-in policy and contract. Verbal explanations are useful, but written information makes later comparisons much easier.

Questions About Staff and Childcare Ratios

Your child’s relationship with nursery staff is one of the most important parts of their experience. Ask who will care for your child most often and how the nursery maintains continuity when staff are absent.

Who would be my child’s key person?
When would we meet the key person?
What qualifications and experience do room staff have?
How long have the current staff worked at the nursery?
Does the nursery use agency staff or temporary cover?
What adult-to-child ratios operate in each room?
How are ratios maintained during breaks and staff absence?
How are new staff checked, trained and supervised?
How often do staff complete safeguarding and first-aid training?
Who is responsible when the nursery manager is unavailable?

Questions About Safety and Safeguarding

Nurseries should have clear procedures for collecting children, managing visitors, responding to injuries and reporting safeguarding concerns. Ask how these procedures work during an ordinary day rather than only asking whether policies exist.

How is the entrance secured throughout the day?
Who is allowed to collect a child?
What identification or password system is used for collection?
How are visitors recorded and supervised?
How many paediatric first-aid trained staff are usually present?
How will parents be informed about an accident or injury?
What is the procedure for administering medication?
How are allergies and emergency medicines managed?
How often are fire drills and emergency procedures practised?
What happens if a child becomes ill during the day?
What is the nursery’s exclusion policy for infectious illness?
How are safeguarding concerns recorded and escalated?

Questions About Settling In

A gradual settling-in process can help your child become familiar with the room, staff and routine. The right approach varies between children, so ask how flexible the nursery can be.

How many settling-in sessions are offered?
Are settling-in sessions included in the registration fee?
Can a parent stay during the first visit?
Can the schedule be extended if my child needs more time?
How will staff comfort my child if they become distressed?
Can my child bring a comforter, dummy or familiar object?
How will I be updated after leaving my child?
What happens if my child continues to struggle after several weeks?

Questions About the Daily Routine

Ask for a typical timetable, but remember that good childcare should also respond to children’s ages, needs and interests. Babies may need an individual routine, while older children may follow a more structured day.

What does a typical day look like in this room?
How much time do children spend outdoors?
Is outdoor play available in different weather conditions?
How are quiet periods and active play balanced?
How often do children take part in adult-led activities?
How much free-choice play is available?
Are children taken on local walks or outings?
How are transitions between rooms managed?
How is screen use managed?
How does the nursery handle toilet training?

Questions About Sleep and Rest

Where do babies and toddlers sleep?
Are sleep spaces visible and regularly checked?
Will staff follow my child’s usual sleep routine?
How are sleep times and durations recorded?
Can children rest even if they no longer nap?
What happens if my child refuses to sleep?
Will staff wake children after a particular length of time?
What bedding or sleep items must parents provide?

A nursery may have a general routine, but it should explain how the needs of babies, children with additional needs and children new to group care are accommodated.

Questions About Meals, Snacks and Allergies

Are meals and snacks included in the nursery fee?
Can I see a current sample menu?
Where is food prepared?
How does the nursery manage food allergies?
Can vegetarian, vegan, halal or other dietary needs be supported?
How are babies supported during weaning?
Can parents supply expressed milk or formula?
How are bottles labelled, stored and prepared?
Will staff tell me what and how much my child ate?
How does the nursery encourage children to try new foods?

Questions About Learning and Development

Nurseries in England generally work within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Ask how staff turn observations into meaningful activities rather than simply completing paperwork.

How do staff plan activities for different ages and interests?
How is my child’s progress observed and recorded?
How often will progress be discussed with parents?
Can parents contribute information from home?
How does the nursery support speech and language development?
How are books, music, messy play and physical activity included?
How does the nursery support children learning more than one language?
How are preschool children prepared for school?
How are concerns about development discussed with parents?

Questions About Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing

What is the nursery’s approach to positive behaviour?
How do staff respond to biting, hitting or repeated conflict?
How are children helped to name and manage emotions?
How does the nursery support shy or anxious children?
What happens if my child does not want to join an activity?
How are friendships and social skills supported?
How are parents informed about recurring behaviour concerns?

Questions About Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Who is the nursery’s special educational needs coordinator?
What experience does the nursery have with additional needs?
How are reasonable adjustments planned?
How does the nursery work with health visitors or other professionals?
How will an individual support plan be reviewed?
Is the building accessible for my child’s needs?
Can staffing support be increased where necessary?
How will parents be involved in decisions?

Questions About Parent Communication

Will I receive a daily verbal update?
Does the nursery use an app, online journal or paper diary?
What information is recorded each day?
How quickly are messages normally answered?
How often are parent meetings held?
Who should I contact with a concern?
What is the formal complaints procedure?
How are changes to policies, staff or fees communicated?
Can parents see nursery policies before enrolling?

Questions About Nursery Fees and Extra Charges

Do not rely on the daily or hourly rate alone. Ask the nursery to explain the expected monthly bill for your exact attendance pattern. Our Nursery Cost Calculator can help you organise the figures.

What is the full session, daily or monthly fee?
Is there a registration fee or refundable deposit?
Are meals, snacks, nappies and wipes included?
Are outings or special activities charged separately?
Is there a charge for late collection?
Are fees payable when my child is absent?
Are fees payable during bank holidays?
How many weeks each year is the nursery closed?
How much notice is given before fees increase?
What notice period is required to leave or change days?
Can booked days be swapped?
What happens if the nursery closes unexpectedly?

Questions About Funded Childcare Hours

A nursery may participate in funded childcare while applying its own availability, session and admissions rules. Ask exactly how funded hours will appear on the invoice.

Does the nursery accept funded childcare codes?
Which funded entitlements does the nursery currently offer?
Can funded hours be used during all available sessions?
Are funded places limited to particular days or times?
Can hours be stretched across more weeks?
Are meals or consumables charged separately?
Are optional charges genuinely optional?
What happens if a code is not reconfirmed on time?
Can funded hours be combined with Tax-Free Childcare?
When will funding first appear on the invoice?

You can review official childcare support information through GOV.UK’s childcare service. Always confirm the nursery’s own funding pattern before accepting a place.

Questions About Opening Hours and Availability

What are the nursery’s normal opening and closing times?
What is the earliest drop-off and latest collection time?
Are half-day sessions available?
Is there a minimum number of sessions?
Are the days I need currently available?
How long is the waiting list?
Can siblings receive priority?
How far in advance can attendance days be changed?
What happens when my child moves to the next age room?

Questions About Inspection and Registration

Ask for the nursery’s registration details and latest inspection information. In England, you can search for childcare providers and inspection reports using Ofsted’s official reports service.

When was the nursery’s most recent inspection?
Can I read the latest inspection report?
What changes were made after the inspection?
Has the nursery changed ownership or management since then?
Have any complaints resulted in formal action?

What to Observe During a Nursery Visit

Children

Do children appear secure, occupied and comfortable approaching staff when they need help?

Staff

Are staff attentive, calm and actively involved rather than mainly supervising from a distance?

Environment

Are rooms clean, secure and organised while still allowing children to explore independently?

Atmosphere

Does the nursery feel welcoming and purposeful without appearing overly controlled, noisy or chaotic?

Quick Nursery Comparison Table

Area	What to Ask	What to Look For
Staff	Who will be my child’s key person?	Warm interaction and stable room teams.
Safety	How are collection and visitor access controlled?	Secure entry and clear collection procedures.
Routine	How flexible are sleep, meals and activities?	Age-appropriate structure with individual support.
Learning	How is progress observed and shared?	Purposeful play rather than excessive paperwork.
Communication	How will I receive daily updates?	Clear, respectful and two-way communication.
Fees	What will my total monthly bill include?	Transparent written prices and contract terms.
Funding	How are funded hours applied to sessions?	A clear invoice showing funded and chargeable items.

Red Flags to Take Seriously

Staff avoid answering reasonable questions about safety or fees.
You are not permitted to see the rooms children normally use.
There appears to be frequent unexplained staff turnover.
Children are repeatedly ignored when distressed.
Entry or collection arrangements appear insecure.
Fees and optional charges are not explained in writing.
The nursery pressures you to pay immediately during the tour.
Policies are unavailable or staff cannot explain them.
The atmosphere feels consistently chaotic or poorly supervised.

Important: this guide helps parents prepare for a nursery visit but does not replace checking registration, inspection information, contracts, safeguarding arrangements or official childcare guidance. Requirements and procedures can vary across the UK and between individual providers.

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Questions to Ask a Nursery: FAQs

Answers to common questions parents have before visiting or choosing a nursery.

Prioritise questions about staff continuity, childcare ratios, safeguarding, daily routines, communication, fees, closures and how funded hours are applied. You should also ask who would be your child’s key person.

Visiting several nurseries can make differences in atmosphere, communication, routines and pricing easier to recognise. Use the same core checklist at every setting for a fairer comparison.

Observe whether staff respond warmly, children appear comfortable, activities are age appropriate and entrances are secure. Also inspect sleep, meal, nappy-changing and outdoor areas where relevant.

Ask for a written example showing the full monthly cost for your preferred attendance pattern. Confirm deposits, registration, meals, nappies, activities, late fees, bank holidays, absences, closures and the notice period.

Ask which funded schemes are accepted, when hours can be used, whether they can be stretched, what additional services are charged and how funding will appear on the invoice.

Yes. Ask to review relevant policies covering safeguarding, sickness, medication, behaviour, complaints, allergies, accidents, collection, fees and notice periods before signing a contract.

Ask about individual sleep and feeding routines, bottle storage, weaning, nappies, comfort items, safe sleep checks, settling-in sessions and how often you will receive updates during the day.

An inspection report is useful, but it should be considered alongside the current staff team, daily practice, communication, location, fees and how well the setting meets your child’s needs.

Write down your impressions while they are fresh, compare answers with other nurseries, read the contract and policies carefully and ask for clarification before paying a deposit.

Prepare for a More Confident Nursery Visit

Use the checklist builder before each tour, record the nursery’s answers and compare the full package of care, communication, safety, flexibility and cost before making your decision.

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