Your Essential Nursery Tour Checklist: What to Look For Before Enrolling  

Your Essential Nursery Tour Checklist: What to Look For Before Enrolling  

Choosing a nursery is about finding a place where your child will feel nurtured, understood, and excited to learn. While websites and brochures can offer a glimpse, a visit in person reveals the heart of the setting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your nursery tour, ask the right questions while you’re there, and reflect on your visit afterwards. Before the Tour: How to Prepare The key to a productive visit is knowing what you’re looking for. Before you arrive: – Do your research: Visit the nursery’s website and social media pages to get a feel for their ethos, curriculum, and always check parent reviews on Google. – Book ahead: Ask if you can observe during busy periods like mid-morning to see the environment in action. – List your priorities: Think about what matters most—curriculum, teacher experience, outdoor space, community feel—and bring your questions. – Prepare your child (if attending the tour): Let them know you’re visiting a new place where children play and learn. Their reactions can be valuable too. During the Tour: What to Look For Use this checklist to guide your observations and questions: Was the entrance secure, with a clear sign-in process and a security guard? If your tour was pre-booked, were you greeted by someone who knew your name and expected your visit? Is the setting warm, welcoming, and filled with joyful, engaged children? Are staff approachable, patient, and genuinely excited to show you around? Does the nursery feel calm yet alive with learning and creativity? 2. Staff & Child Interactions Do educators engage with children at eye level, showing interest and encouragement? Is there evidence of strong bonds between children and staff? Do team members seem confident, kind, and collaborative? Are upset children being comforted? 3. Curriculum & Daily Routine Is the nursery aligned with frameworks like EYFS, or inspired by Montessori practices? Is there a balance of free play, structured activities, and outdoor time? Are children offered choices to build independence and curiosity? 4. Communication & Family Involvement Does the nursery value parent partnerships through regular updates and open dialogue? Are there parent workshops, family days or opportunities to meet other parents? How are new families supported during transition periods? 5. Environment & Safety Is the space clean, safe, and well-maintained? Are learning areas thoughtfully arranged with engaging materials? Is there a qualified nurse on site? 6. Community & Parent Feedback Are there positive reviews that mention communication, warmth, and child growth? Do other parents recommend the setting personally? Is the nursery open about addressing any concerns? After the Tour: Reflect & Reconnect After your visit, take time to: – Trust your instincts: Did you feel welcomed? Did your child seem comfortable? – Revisit your checklist: Which boxes were ticked—and which raised questions? – Reach out again: A quick follow-up email, whatsapp or phone call can clarify any doubts or spark a final conversation. A thoughtful nursery will welcome your questions. – Picture the future: Can you see your child happily growing here? Will you feel supported as a parent, too? Final Thoughts The best nursery is the place where your child is known by name, where your family feels part of a bigger village, and where every milestone is celebrated together.