Selecting a nursery for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the early years of parenthood. It’s emotional, practical, and deeply personal. Every family has unique needs, priorities, and expectations — and finding a setting that truly feels right can feel overwhelming.
But while the process can be challenging, it can also be empowering when you know what to look for. Here are some key things every parent should review when choosing a nursery.
1. The Setting and Atmosphere
Your first impression matters. When you walk into a nursery, take time to absorb the atmosphere:
- Is the environment warm, welcoming and calm?
- Do the children look engaged and happy?
- Do staff interact enthusiastically and sensitively?
- Staff qualifications and training
- Whether the team is stable or has high turnover
- How practitioners support learning, care, and emotional wellbeing
- Daily feedback on routines and activities
- Photos and updates
- Open conversations about progress and development
- How are children supported at their individual developmental stages?
- How is learning through play encouraged?
- Safeguarding policies
- Hygiene and cleanliness
- Outdoor play opportunities
- Meal options
These small indicators often tell you more than any brochure ever could.
2. Staff Qualifications, Stability and Approach
The relationships your child builds with key adults are essential. Parents should check:
A strong, consistent team helps children feel safe, secure, and ready to learn.
3. Communication With Families
Great communication builds trust. Look for nurseries that keep parents updated through:
You should always feel informed and involved.
4. Curriculum, Learning & Play
A high‑quality nursery offers a balance of structured learning and child-led exploration.
Parents may want to ask:
How is the curriculum delivered?
The right setting will nurture both curiosity and confidence.
5. Safety, Policies and Practicalities
While it’s not the most exciting part, practical details matter. Review:
These factors shape your daily experience as much as your child’s.
6. Parent Reviews — What Other Families Say
One of the most valuable insights comes from other parents who have already been through the journey. Platforms like Day Nurseries give an honest, unfiltered view of what it’s really like to be part of a nursery community — from staff interactions to learning experiences and support for families.
⭐ You can read our parent reviews and see our Day Nurseries profile here:
Liskeard Reviews
Ovenden Reviews
St Austell Reviews
Wincobank Reviews
We’re incredibly proud of the feedback our families share, and we always welcome new parents to learn from their experiences.