Choosing a setting

20 Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursery or Pre-school

Take this practical checklist with you when visiting an early years setting so you can compare the things that matter most.

โ† All Early Years guides

A nursery visit can feel overwhelming because there is a lot to take in. Having a checklist helps you compare settings consistently and makes it easier to remember the questions that matter.

Ask about your child

  1. How does the key-person system work?
  2. How do you settle new children?
  3. How do you support additional needs?
  4. How do you communicate progress with parents?
  5. How do you handle separation anxiety?

Ask about daily care

  1. What are the meal arrangements?
  2. How are allergies managed?
  3. How are naps and sleep managed?
  4. How often do children go outside?
  5. What happens if my child becomes unwell?

Ask about safety and staff

  1. How is safeguarding managed?
  2. Who are the designated safeguarding leads?
  3. What are the staff-to-child arrangements?
  4. How long have the staff team worked here?
  5. How are visitors managed?

Ask about money and availability

  1. Do you have a waiting list?
  2. Do you accept funded hours?
  3. Are there additional charges?
  4. Can funded hours be stretched across more weeks?
  5. What notice is needed to change or end sessions?
Information checked against official guidance. View the official source โ†’