Questions for choosing a nursery - Sorry I know its been done before!

[mememum]

As the title suggests I'm thinking of putting DD's into a nursery one morning a week and am going to visit 3 this week. I've skim read a few old threads but I'd be really grateful if mums whose children go to a nursery could give me an idea of what to look for and what to ask. My DD's are 2.5yrs and 8months. Thank you in advance!

[anchovies]

I posted a list of questions here if they are any use to you

[PeachyClair]

Having had both terrible and fabulous nerseries in the past for my three, I found the biggest indicators were how well the kids there seemed to get on with the class leaders (are they happy to interrupt, pull and generally be childish with?), how well you relate to the class leader- the best one I ever had ended up as a friend- whether they leaders are sat in chairs or getting involved with the kids, but most of all- it's gut instinct. I took ds3 to a Nursery with a good rep that I wasn't convinced about and had to remove him after a few weeks as he was so upset and they were quite mean to him (have since heard allegations of quite nasty things about them). DS1 and 2 however attended a pre-school that when I attended, I immediately decided to go without food if necessary to afford it. the most fantastic place in the world with the best Teacher ever- goodness, it's the one reason I wish we hadn't moved!

[PrettyCandles]

Behaviour - both of children and staff - is very revealing: generally happy, nobody miserable and ignored, a sense of ordered chaos is fine, confident children (I was very impressed to see 2-3yos helping themselves to stuff from drawers and putting things away afterwards without asking anyone or being instructed). If children are running around screaming, is it because they're having an indoor play (instead of playground time), and do they clearly understand where they are allowed to run (ie in the play space and not among the activity tables). And if they are having an indoor play, why?

One thing that hugely impressed me about the nursery I chose in the end was that, when I phoned to ask whether I could visit, I was told "come whenever you like, you don't need to make an oppointment, just try to avoid lunch and afternoon naptime please" - ie, nothing to hide.

I would avoid a nursery that gives only biscuits for snacks, or uses them to manage behaviour. Also, naptime should be considered very important for all age children. Some nurseries don't nap 3yo 'in preparation for school' FGS!

[PrettyCandles]

And BTW the appearance of the place and the price are not indicators. My childrens' nursery looks run-down and grotty, and was cheaper than most, but the quality of the care is outstanding.

Ask re staff turnover - if they keep core staff for long periods, then the staff are happy and the children make good relationshiops with them.

[mememum]

Thank you anchovies and pretty candles - exactly what I need. Pretty Candles, If you remember you answered my questions about hypnotherapy the other day and I'm booking a session for in the next couple of weeks! A big thank you to you, you've been a great help!

[PrettyCandles]