From the moment you enter a Child Base nursery you'll be impressed by cheerful rooms and happy faces.
Ask for a personal tour. All our nurseries are Ofsted inspected and comply to the highest quality standards of safety and care.
Tips on how to choose a nursery
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Always ensure that the nursery you choose is registered with Ofsted.
The registration certificate should be displayed together with a current certificate of insurance.
(OFSTED took over responsibility for registration of day nurseries in September 2001, until then local authorities were responsible.) -
Visit the nursery and consider the following:-
Is there a safe outside play area?
Is the interior bright, attractive, clean, well decorated, warm and light?
Is the equipment good quality, clean, safe and appropriate?
Is it easy to find?
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What sort of meals are provided and at what time? Is the food fresh? Can they provide for special diets?
Are the menus changed regularly? -
Look at the children in the nursery, do they appear to be happy and well occupied?
Are the children using a variety of equipment and are the staff involved? -
Are the staff happy, relaxed, well presented, calm and confident? Ask about the qualifications of staff and ask about child ratios.
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Does the nursery belong to a professional organisation such as the National Day Nurseries Association, keeping them informed of current issues?
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Has the nursery gained any kite-marks of excellence, eg. NDNA's Quality Counts, Investors in People or Investors in Children.
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You may ask to see copies of the recent Ofsted report- highlighting the quality of nursery education and care and the appropriateness of the equipment and facilities.
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Do parents and staff work in partnership recording your child's activities and achievements? Will your child be attached to a key-worker who will be your main contact and will keep you informed?
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What will the charge be? What does this include? Remember nappies, meals, holiday charges, etc.
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Discuss activities, diet, potty training, emergency procedures, discipline etc. and other nursery policies.
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Did you enjoy your visit, was it friendly, relaxed and informative? Did your child enjoy it?
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Your local Children's Information Service will keep an up-to-date list of registered providers. The local authority switchboard will have the telephone number or www.childcarelink.gov.uk. Speak to friends and family - personal recommendations are an excellent start. If possible look at more than one nursery before making your decision.
IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH ANY ASPECT OF THE NURSERY LOOK ELSEWHERE