Tips to select a nursery

But when it comes to choosing a good nursery for a child this becomes a disturbing and difficult task for the parents, especially when they are considering safety, security, education and simply having fun.

This article will give you some tips about what to look for in a nursery and how to choose one.

What to Look For in a Nursery?

• A good Reputation - Always take up references. A good nursery will have good reputation locally, so try to ask the parents in the same area for their remarks about the nursery that you are interested in. Or when you visit the nursery try to talk to the children parents and find their opinion about the nursery.

• Established Organization - Check if the nursery has established routines for everything including fixed opening and closing timings. It is important for a nursery to have flexible hours, this will let you pick up and drop off your child at different timings.

• Check for the Security - It is important to have proper security system so that children cannot run out of the building unnoticed and unauthorized persons cannot enter without reasons. Check the nursery premises to make sure the building is safe and suitable for children.

• Good curriculum - Good nurseries should have a structured curriculum that includes time for physical activity, play, story time, group activities, individual activities, snack time and free time.

Also nurseries should have age appropriate toys that will encourage child's development and stimulate creative/ imaginative play. A good curriculum stimulates your child's development and introduces variety and interest.

The nursery should have an outdoor play area (limited to weather conditions and age). Children should have a chance to play outside - running, jumping and skipping are good for them physically, mentally and socially.

For safety reasons, the outdoor play area should be designed in such a way that no one can enter the area except through nursery.

• Qualified and Caring Staff - Look for a nursery where the staff is friendly, enjoy their work and has good benefits. The staff should be appreciated for the good work as staff function at their best when they are valued by their employer. Low staff rotation is one key to ensure consistent stable care for the child.

The child staff ratio should be:
3:1 for children under 2
4:1 for children between the ages of 2-3
8:1 for children between the ages of 3 -5

Remember to Verify the Following:

- How long have the staff been working with children.

- Good care giver will ask detailed questions about your child's health, allergies, routines etc.

- They should make time to get to know you and your child quickly, such as talking to you at the end of the day, especially during the settling in period.

- Make sure the nursery has enough staff (and at least half of them should have child care qualification) so the child gets the care that she/he needs.

• Health regulation - A good nursery is clean and hygienic. Floors, corridors, walls, rooms and the kitchen area must be spotless; rubbish bins should be kept out of the reach of children.

The building should be suitably lit and ventilated. Staff must be aware of the importance of personal hygiene and follow appropriate procedures. Frequent and thorough hand washing is important, especially after changing nappies, cleaning up any body fluids (urine, stools, phlegm, blowing nose), before preparing food and after feeding the children.


Also all nurseries should have a nurse and a visiting pediatrician at least once weekly.

• Current registration certificate - Ask for the nursery registration certificate and the inspection report.

• Notice the following while visiting the nursery
- Do the children play, talk together and seems to be happy.

- Is the staff attentive to the children?

- If there are other things you want to know, don't be afraid to ask.

Always trust your feelings about your child care as you know what's best for your child.