Putting your child into the care of others is never an easy decision, but it’s one that we all have to make at one time or another. Whether you need to go back to work and want them to visit the childminders or they have reached the age where they’re going to start nursery, choosing where to send them can be tough. Here are some things to consider when choosing a nursery:
What Does a Day at the Nursery Look Like?
Every nursery and childcare facility with have its own way of doing things and its own activities that they offer. There isn’t a right or wrong but it’s a good idea to consider what you want from your child day care and choose a nursery that ticks the most boxes. For example, how much do they encourage outdoor play and what do meal times look like? Most nurseries are happy to discuss what they can offer & how this can align with what you need so discuss with them in advance what your wish list would look like & then you can take things from there.
What Do They Teach The Children?
We all know that education is important and without a doubt a nursery will start to dabble in this, but at this young age developing life skills is super important too! What does the nursery offer in terms of teaching things like a wider vocabulary or how to explore the garden. The Curiosity Approach is a great one to look out for – this approach encourages children to be curious about everything and to ask lots of questions. This often means replacing plastic toys with real-life items that they can hold, play with and explore – for example, wooden toys! This approach encourages imagination play, playing in puddles, exploring the great outdoors and even learning how to express themselves; great at such a young age! Spend some time and read more about the Curiosity Approach to see if it is something that could work for you and your child.
Can They Offer What You Need?
We all have different needs from our childcare providers, so it’s important to consider what you are going to need and make sure that you find a nursery that matches this. For example, if you are likely to work until 6 pm and therefore can’t pick your child up until after this time it’s important that you discuss this and ensure that they can help you with this – the same goes if you need early morning drop-offs or flexible days because you work shifts. Be honest about your needs from the start so that you can work out a way forward with the nursery. If they can’t help, it’s best to know now so you can come up with a plan of action rather than leaving things to the last minute.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should speak to friends for their recommendations, read reviews and do your own research but these are some of the things to consider when you’re choosing a nursery.
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs, including Wannabe Princess and Under 5s. Specializing in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and early years development,