How to choose a nursery: 10 questions to ask on your visit

A website tells you what a nursery wants to say; a visit tells you what it’s actually like. Whether you visit us or anywhere else, these are the ten questions we’d encourage every parent to ask — and the kind of answers worth listening for.

1. What’s your current Ofsted rating — for this site? Groups sometimes quote their best branch’s rating. Each registered site has its own inspection; ask for this building’s rating and read the report. (Ours are on each branch page, report links included.)

2. Who would be my child’s key person? Every child should have a named key person who tracks their development and knows them properly. Ask how progress is shared with you.

3. What are your staff qualifications and turnover like? Qualified, settled staff are the single biggest ingredient in quality. It’s fine to ask how long the team have been there.

4. How does settling-in work? A good setting settles children at the child’s pace — gradual sessions, parent welcome to stay at first — not a fixed one-size-fits-all week.

5. What exactly will I pay — and what’s not included? Ask about registration fees, deposits, top-up charges on funded hours, late-collection fees and notice periods. You want one clear answer, in writing. (Ours: no registration fee, no deposit, no top-ups; everything else is on our fees page.)

6. What does a typical day look like? Listen for a balance: free play, small-group learning, stories, outdoor time — not screens, and not children drifting.

7. Can I see the outdoor space? Daily outdoor play matters enormously at this age. Ask whether it’s on-site and private, and how often it’s used.

8. How do you handle safeguarding? Every setting should name its designated safeguarding lead without hesitation and describe staff checks (enhanced DBS) and training. Hesitation here is a red flag anywhere.

9. How will you support my child’s identity, culture and needs? From food and festivals to languages spoken at home and any additional needs — your child should be known as an individual, not fitted to a template.

10. Can my child come with me on the visit? The best test of all. Watch how staff greet your child — whether they get down to their level, and whether your child relaxes.

Then trust what you saw

Paperwork matters, but so does the feeling on the way out: were the children absorbed and happy? Did staff seem warm and unhurried? Would you want to spend a day there?

We’d love you to put us to the test. Book a visit at Manor Park, Poplar or Whitechapel — bring your little one, and bring this list.