What to Look for When Choosing a Nursery

01/10/26 Knowledge Base Welcome to kinderzimmer

What to Look for When Choosing a Nursery

Choosing a nursery is a big decision. You might have a long list of practical questions about fees, hours and availability, but there’s another side to choosing a setting that’s just as important: how will your child actually feel there?

A nursery can look beautiful on a website, but visiting in person can tell you much more about the environment, the educators and the way children are supported.

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

1. Start with the basics

Before you fall in love with a setting, make sure it works practically for your family.

Consider:

location and journey time
opening hours
availability
minimum attendance requirements
fees and what they include
funded hours
holiday arrangements
settling-in arrangements
what happens when your child is unwell

These things can have a big impact on how manageable nursery feels alongside work and family life.

2. Look at the people

The relationship between your child and their educators is one of the most important things to consider.

When you visit, notice how staff speak to children.

Do they get down to their level? Do they listen? Do they seem to know the children individually? Are children comfortable approaching them?

It’s also worth asking about qualifications, staff turnover, key-person arrangements and how the nursery supports staff development.

3. Ask about the nursery's approach to learning

Every nursery will have an educational approach, but they won’t all look the same.

Ask:

What does a typical day look like?
How much time do children spend outside?
How much of the day is child-led?
How are children’s interests incorporated?
How do educators support individual development?
How do you prepare children for school?

Ofsted recommends using information such as inspection reports alongside visits and other information when choosing childcare.

4. Think about the environment

Look beyond whether the nursery looks impressive.

Ask yourself whether the space feels like somewhere your child could genuinely explore.

Look for:

accessible resources
opportunities for independent play
spaces for quiet time
creative activities
outdoor provision
age-appropriate equipment
places for children to eat, rest and socialise

At kinderzimmer, our environments are designed around our approach of Independence, Exploration and Wonder, with spaces that encourage children to make choices, investigate and learn through play.

5. Ask about outdoor play

Outdoor time isn’t just a break from learning.

Children can develop physical skills, confidence, communication, problem-solving and curiosity through outdoor experiences.

Ask how often children go outside and whether outdoor play is part of the everyday routine or something that happens only in good weather.

At kinderzimmer, outdoor play is a key part of our curriculum, with our gardens designed to support exploration, movement and different types of play.

6. Find out how meals work

Food can become a surprisingly important part of nursery life.

Ask:

What meals and snacks are provided?
Are meals included in the fees?
How are allergies handled?
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
How are babies supported through weaning?
Are children encouraged to develop independence at mealtimes?

At kinderzimmer, our kitchens and nutrition are part of the nursery environment. Children can take part in experiences such as baking, serving, sharing and clearing away, while meals are provided through our Nursery Kitchen partnership.

7. Ask about settling in

Even if your child is confident, starting nursery is a big change.

Find out:

how many settling sessions are offered
whether parents stay for any sessions
how key-person relationships are established
what happens if your child finds separation difficult
how long settling in usually takes
how parents are kept updated

At kinderzimmer, every child receives three free settling-in sessions, with the process adapted around the individual child and their needs.

8. Look at communication with parents

Ask how you’ll find out about your child’s day.

Will you receive updates about:

meals
sleep
activities
learning
development
important moments

At kinderzimmer, parents can use the Famly app to see updates about their child’s day, including meals, sleep and developmental progress.

9. Check the official information

For nurseries in England, you can use Ofsted’s website to find a provider’s inspection information. Ofsted’s current guidance says parents can use inspection report cards and provider information as part of choosing childcare.

Remember that an inspection report is one piece of the picture. Visiting the setting and asking questions can help you understand whether the nursery feels right for your family.

10. Trust your first impression

Finally, pay attention to how you feel when you’re there.

Does the environment feel calm? Do children seem engaged? Do educators seem genuinely interested in the children? Can you imagine your child feeling comfortable there?

There isn’t one nursery that will suit every family.

The right choice is the one that works for your practical needs while giving you confidence that your child will be understood, supported and encouraged to grow.

Explore kinderzimmer locations or enquire about a nursery place.

What to Look for When Choosing a Nursery