Choosing a nursery is a big milestone for any family. As a parent, leaving your little one in someone else’s care for the first time can feel like a huge step. At Busy Bees we understand how important it is to find the right nursery for you and your family.

There is a common misconception that nursery is simply childcare – somewhere safe and nurturing for your child to spend the day. Nursery is so much more than childcare; it’s the beginning of your child’s early years education and supports their development.

From the moment they are born, children learn through their relationships, experiences and interactions with the world around them. A good nursery will recognise that every child is unique, take the time to understand who they are and create opportunities for them to develop confidence, independence, communication and curiosity through play, something that is at the heart of the Busy Bees Bee Curious Curriculum.

So, when you visit a nursery, what should you look for?

Safety: does it feel secure and well cared for?

Safety is one of the biggest priorities when choosing a nursery. Leaving your child in someone else’s care for the first time can feel like a huge step, so you want to feel confident that their wellbeing will be a priority every day.

When you visit, take a look around. Do the spaces feel clean, welcoming and secure? Are the indoor and outdoor areas well maintained? Are resources and activities appropriate for the children using them?

It is also worth asking how the nursery manages allergies, dietary requirements, medication and illnesses. All registered early years providers, including nurseries, must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets requirements around areas such as staff-to-child ratios, safeguarding, health and safety and children’s development.

You can ask the nursery how they meet these requirements to support the individual needs of the children in their care.

You don’t need to know every policy inside out, but asking questions can help you understand how the nursery keeps children safe and responds to individual needs.

Environment and atmosphere: how does it feel when you walk through the door?

First impressions can tell you a lot.

When you arrive, notice how you are greeted. Do the staff seem friendly, welcoming and genuinely interested in you and your child? Do the children appear happy, comfortable and engaged?

Think about the overall atmosphere. Does it feel calm and nurturing, while still encouraging children to explore and have fun.

Also look at the nursery environment and how the spaces are used. Are children given opportunities to explore? Are there resources they can access independently? Does the environment reflect different ages and stages of development?

Most importantly, try to imagine your child spending their day there. Can you picture them feeling comfortable and at home?

Educator and children’s interactions: look at the relationships.

One of the most valuable things you can do during a nursery visit is simply observe.

Watch how educators interact with the children. Do they get down to their level, listen and respond with warmth and interest? Do they encourage children to communicate, express their feelings and try things for themselves?

Then look at how the children respond. Do they confidently approach educators for help, reassurance or a cuddle? Do they seem comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas?

These relationships are incredibly important. Children learn best when they feel safe, secure and connected to the adults around them.

A good nursery will take the time to understand what makes your child unique, from their interests and favourite activities to what helps them settle and how they communicate their needs. At Busy Bees, every child is assigned a key person, their own special member of the team who gets to know them and supports their individual care, learning and development. Their key person will also support them through the settling-in process and keep you updated on their experiences at nursery.

Meet the team: can you see yourself working in partnership with them?

It’s important to meet the nursery team and the nursery manager during your visit.

Choosing a nursery is not just about finding somewhere your child will be happy. You also need to feel comfortable communicating with the people who will care for them.

Ask how they communicate with parents and keep you updated about your child’s day and development. Find out how they work with families during settling-in and how they support children as their needs change. Many nurseries use digital platforms, such as the Busy Bees App, to help families stay connected to their child’s experiences throughout the day.

Learning through play: what opportunities will your child have to explore?

Nurseries should offer a range of activities that allow children to learn through play, with experiences tailored to their age, stage of development and individual interests. When you visit, look at the variety of opportunities available and whether children are encouraged to explore, discover and have fun while learning.

Outdoor play is an important part of this too. Outdoor spaces give children the opportunity to be active, develop their confidence, explore their natural curiosity and be adventurous. A large garden and lots of equipment can be a bonus, but don’t be put off by a smaller outdoor space. Ask how the nursery makes the most of the space they have and how they provide opportunities for children to learn and play outside.

Remember, trust your instinct!

Starting nursery is a big transition for the whole family, and it is completely normal to have mixed emotions. You may worry about whether your child will settle, whether they will be happy or whether you have made the right choice.

Trust your gut. Parents often say they “just knew” when they walked through the door, and that feeling is built from all the little things you notice.

The right nursery is somewhere your child will be safe, happy and encouraged to learn, grow and thrive, and where you, as a parent, feel like a valued part of that journey too.

Ready to start your nursery search? Visit the Busy Bees website for more advice and support or to find your nearest nursery or follow Busy Bees on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with what’s going on in our nurseries!