Nursery Info Please!

Hiya all, it went really well at the nursery today and I think I remembered everything I needed to. I'm not going to have any trouble getting her to go, she didn't want to leave! Thanks for all your comments xxx

Ok my mum owns a nursery and ive kind of grown up with it (never ever wanna work with kids again lol), sooo basically you need to ask what areas of learning do they teach? do they teach them to recognise their own names/write their names and basic 1-5 numbers/counting etc or is it just play?
what disciplin do they use on children? my mum tends to sit them on a chair for time out or untill they apologise etc (and its very rare)-she never physically puts them on the chair as they are no longer allowed to physically pick children up UNLESS absolutely necessary.
How long would staff leave a new child to cry before mum/dad is called back?
does your child need to be fully toilet trained/able to use pull ups/take own potty etc.
Food..what snacks do they have? drinks?
Accident policys..what happens if your child has an accident at school? we have an accident book that gets signed by the staff who witnessed accident and the supervisor in charge, then gets signed by person collecting the child.
What qualifications staff have?
Is the nursery escape proof? ie stair gates by easy to open doors etc.

Basically i would say just turn up there one day unplanned at a reasonable hour-ie not midday when perhaps its lunch or nap time-and stay and observe what goes on. I do hate some nurserys that wont let you in without an appointment as im inclined not to trust them. look about at what the children are doing/toys they are playing with and if they have work on display. watch and note how staff interact with the children or if staff are gathered gossiping to each other (which is a no no). nurserys should have a pleasing atmosphere and an air of happiness about them..i think you'll know if its right for your child or not.

have fun lol xx

I would definitely ask to see their latest Ofsted report or at the very least ask for their Ofsted number so you can look it up online - www.ofsted.gov.uk
Another thing whilst you're remembering to ask all the great questions which have been suggested is to see how your little one reacts. Does she seem relaxed in the environment? Has she quickly gone to join the other children playing? Ask the staff how long they usually expect a child to take to settle in. Finally go with your gut feeling, if you are comfortable with the staff and the nursery surroundings then chances are your daughter will be too. Hope you get on ok. xxx

Jellybeanvic has said it all!
Maybe ask about packed lunches etc and what you should put in them (some nurseries only like healthy food, i'e no cake or chocolate biscuits etc), ask about what they do if your child is upset when you leave, or contiually upset. Errmm what about it your child gets ill whilst there at nursery.
You could ask how many are going from that nursery to the school you want her to go to, then she'll already have some friends!
Definitely ask about disciple, and they may want to know how you do it eg. naughty spot or something so they can carry it on.
What kind of things should they bring with them, are they allowed to bring a comforter, would they ring you on occasion like she really wanted you, OFSTED reports (if you can see them), first aid courses staff have been on, are they open inschool holidays, do you have to pay when theyre ill or if your going on holiday. That kind of thing really.
Make a list and have it with you when your on the phone to them! Or even take it with you and just say that you knew you'd forget otherwise!
Its so cute when they learn new things from nursery/pre-school, Isla now asks if she 'may be exclused fwom the table pwease'. Its SOOO cute!
Hope it all goes okay! xxx

she's 3 and gets her place in september

Thanks very much that's given me a lot to think about. xxx

I think you should ask things like: What are their policies regarding children who still nap in the day, children who are still in nappies who may be being potty trained. Security issues: what if someone else in your family needs to pick up your child - they should only get the go ahead from you and you only. Also, how do they discipline the kids bearing in mind that they are very little and probably have toddler tantrums!! Do they take the children on trips out of the nursery? What happens if your child is ill? Also, just my opinion but I think children's nurseries should be about fun and playing so not too much emphasis on learning maths and more on playtime! Check out the outdoor space of the nursery and check entrance and exits are secure. Look at what is on the wall - hopefully there should be lots of pictures the children have drawn. Look at the other children's faces to see if they look happy! Also ask what fun activities they have planned, for example, my daughter's nursery does things like they all have to dress in red on red nose day etc and they have a Christmas play even though the kids are 2, 3 and 4. It's so sweet. Sorry this is an essay but I am on the committee fr my daughter's nursery so I know the ins and outs!!!

well how old is ur daughter??