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.