Must-Ask Questions Before Choosing a Nursery in the UK

Choosing a nursery in the UK is one of the most important decisions parents can make for their child’s early development. To support parents during visits or calls, this guide offers a comprehensive list of must-ask questions in a simple, readable, and point-based format—grouped by theme for clarity.
1. General Information about the Nursery
- What are your opening hours and term dates?
- Is the nursery open year-round or term-time only?
- What ages do you cater for?
- How many children are currently enrolled?
- What are your adult-to-child ratios for each age group?
- Are you registered with Ofsted? Can I see your latest Ofsted report?
- What is the nursery’s daily routine like?
- Is there a waiting list? How far in advance should I register?
- How flexible are you with sessions and days?
- Do you offer part-time places?
2. Curriculum and Learning Approach
- Which curriculum or framework do you follow (e.g., EYFS)?
- How do you promote learning through play?
- Do you incorporate outdoor learning or forest school principles?
- How do you support the specific areas of development in EYFS?
- Are there opportunities for creative play, such as art and music?
- Do you provide a structured phonics or early literacy programme?
- How do you prepare children for school?
- What topics or themes do you cover throughout the year?
- Do you track each child’s development? How is progress shared with parents?
- Are learning activities personalised based on a child’s interests?
3. Staff and Qualifications
- What are the staff’s qualifications and experience?
- Do all staff hold a valid DBS check?
- Are staff trained in Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding?
- What is your staff turnover rate?
- Do you provide regular training and professional development?
- How do staff support children emotionally and socially?
- Can I meet the key staff who would care for my child?
- Do you use a key person system? If yes, how does it work?
- How are staff supervised and supported?
- How do staff manage challenging behaviour?
4. Environment and Facilities
- Can I have a tour of the nursery and outdoor spaces?
- How is the environment made safe and secure for children?
- Do you have separate areas for different age groups?
- How often are toys and equipment cleaned and rotated?
- Is the space inclusive and accessible to children with disabilities?
- Are there quiet/rest areas for naps or downtime?
- How do you manage outdoor play during bad weather?
- What safety procedures are in place for drop-off and collection?
- Do you have CCTV or controlled access points?
- Are children allowed to bring personal comfort items (e.g., blankets)?
5. Meals, Snacks and Nutrition
- Do you provide meals and snacks?
- Are meals prepared onsite or delivered from a provider?
- Can I see a sample menu?
- Do you cater for allergies, intolerances and dietary needs?
- Is drinking water available throughout the day?
- How do you encourage healthy eating habits?
- Can I send food from home if my child has special requirements?
- How are mealtimes structured?
- Do staff sit with children at meal times to support social eating?
- How do you manage choking risks?
6. Nappies, Toileting and Hygiene
- Do you provide nappies and wipes, or should I bring them?
- How often are children changed?
- How do you support potty training?
- What are your hygiene and sanitisation procedures?
- How do you support children’s independence with toileting and handwashing?
- Is there a changing table or toileting area designed for younger children?
- Do you follow a set toileting routine or respond to individual needs?
- How do you manage accidents or toilet mishaps?
- Do you keep parents informed about toileting progress?
- Are staff trained in infection control and hygiene best practices?
7. Health and Safety
- What are your illness and exclusion policies?
- How do you manage fevers or injuries during the day?
- Are staff trained to administer medication if needed?
- Do you have a procedure for reporting accidents or incidents?
- What happens in case of a medical emergency?
- How do you manage allergies or asthma?
- Are fire drills conducted regularly?
- What is your policy on sun safety (e.g., sunscreen, hats)?
- Do you have a defibrillator on site?
- How do you ensure toys and learning materials are safe?
8. Settling In and Transitions
- What is your settling-in process for new children?
- Can parents stay during the first few sessions?
- How long does the settling-in period usually take?
- How do you support children with separation anxiety?
- Are there transition visits before children move to the next room or age group?
- How do you support children transitioning to school?
- Do you offer trial sessions before enrolling?
- Is the settling-in process personalised to each child?
- Can I meet my child’s key worker during the settling-in period?
- Are daily routines shared with parents during the initial weeks?
9. Communication with Parents
- How often do you communicate with parents?
- Do you provide daily reports or updates?
- Do you use a nursery app or communication diary?
- Are parents informed about their child’s activities and meals?
- How are concerns or feedback from parents handled?
- Do you hold parent meetings or open days?
- Are there opportunities for parents to get involved?
- Will I be notified immediately if my child is unwell or upset?
- How do you celebrate children’s achievements with parents?
- Can I contact my child’s key person during the day?
10. Behaviour and Discipline
- What is your behaviour management policy?
- How do you promote positive behaviour?
- What happens if a child hits or bites another child?
- How are tantrums or emotional outbursts handled?
- Do staff receive training in emotional regulation strategies?
- Are behaviour concerns shared with parents?
- How do you support children in developing empathy and sharing?
- Are time-outs or other disciplinary actions used?
- How is emotional wellbeing supported in group settings?
- What steps are taken if a child repeatedly displays challenging behaviour?
11. Inclusion and Diversity
- How do you ensure your nursery is inclusive to all children?
- Do you celebrate a range of cultural festivals and events?
- Are staff trained in equality and diversity?
- How do you support children with additional needs or SEND?
- Do you have an SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)?
- Is the environment accessible for children with mobility challenges?
- How do you promote acceptance and understanding among peers?
- Are materials and toys inclusive and diverse?
- Do you use Makaton, BSL, or other communication aids?
- Can individual learning plans be created if needed?
12. Fees and Funding
- What are your current fees and payment terms?
- Are there any additional costs (e.g., meals, trips)?
- Do you offer government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours)?
- Can I mix funded hours with paid sessions?
- How do you support parents with tax-free childcare or childcare vouchers?
- Is there a deposit or registration fee?
- What is your notice period if I want to withdraw my child?
- Are fees payable during holidays or if my child is ill?
- Can I pay monthly, termly, or weekly?
- Is there sibling discount or any promotional offers?
13. Extra Activities and Enrichment
- Do you offer any extracurricular activities (e.g., yoga, music)?
- Are these included in the fees or charged separately?
- Do you take children on local trips or outings?
- Are visits from community members or professionals (e.g., fire service, dentists) arranged?
- Do you have seasonal events or performances involving parents?
- How do you incorporate nature and outdoor learning?
- Do children participate in gardening, cooking or other hands-on activities?
- Are there quiet or sensory-based activities for children with different needs?
- How are birthdays or milestones celebrated?
- Are learning experiences ever themed around the child’s interests?
14. Parental Feedback and Reputation
- Can I speak with some current or past parents?
- Are testimonials or reviews available?
- How do you gather feedback from parents?
- Have there been any recent complaints?
- What changes have been made based on parent feedback?
- Are you active on social media?
- Is there a parent group or newsletter?
- How long has the nursery been running?
- Has the nursery won any awards or recognitions?
- Do you have links with local schools or organisations?
15. Red Flags to Look Out For (What Not to Ignore)
- Staff unable to answer basic questions about policies.
- Limited or rushed tour, especially avoiding certain areas.
- Children appearing disengaged or unhappy.
- Poor hygiene or unpleasant smells.
- Overcrowded rooms or inadequate supervision.
- No clear behaviour policy or safeguarding procedure.
- Lack of enthusiasm or warmth from staff.
- No evidence of child-led learning or creativity.
- Outdated toys or broken equipment.
- Disorganised paperwork, vague fee structures, or inconsistent communication.
Final Thoughts Before Enrolling
- Do you and your child feel comfortable with the environment?
- Was the communication honest and open from staff?
- Did the nursery share similar values to yours?
- Was the setting clean, well-managed, and welcoming?
- Were other children engaged and enjoying their time?
About Little Mowgli Nursery, Leyland
At Little Mowgli Nursery, we provide a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. As a small, community-focused nursery in the heart of Leyland, we pride ourselves on creating a home-from-home atmosphere where every child is treated as an individual. Our Tigers and Giraffes rooms offer engaging, age-appropriate experiences, while our outdoor area brings the magic of nature into learning. With a strong emphasis on relationships, play-based learning, and discovery, Little Mowgli is a place where every child can thrive and grow with confidence.