From One Parent to Another:

Meet Daria, mother to a 4-year-old, and member of our fantastic Parent Panel; a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children. 

When I first started looking into nurseries for my child, the experience felt exciting and overwhelming. I wanted to make the best possible decision for my child’s early years, so I approached the process with great care and preparation. Whether you are still expecting or with your little one by your side already, I found that preparing for nursery tours is important in making an informed choice. Here is what I learned along the way.

Emotional Preparation

The thought of leaving my child in someone else’s care for the first time stirred up a mix of emotions, including worry and a bit of guilt. I found it helpful to acknowledge these feelings as normal and remind myself that finding the right nursery was a step toward providing the best environment for my child’s growth and development.

Research and Planning

I spent time researching my options online and asking other local parents for recommendations. I looked for nurseries that aligned with my values, particularly those that emphasised a nurturing environment and a focus on child development.

I created a checklist of what was important to me, and this included everything from the nursery’s location and operating hours to their approach to learning and child engagement.

Touring Nurseries

I visited several nurseries, and each experience was slightly different. I made sure to schedule tours during operating hours to see the staff and children interacting in real time. This gave me a sense of the atmosphere and the level of engagement between the caregivers and the children.

I also took my child with me on some tours. This not only allowed me to see how the staff interacted with my little one but also gave me insight into how comfortable my child felt in the environment.

What to Look for and Ask During Tours

When touring nurseries, there were a few key things I made sure to observe and ask about:

1. Interaction and Engagement: I paid close attention to how the staff interacted with the children. Were they attentive, warm, and engaged? Did the children seem happy and comfortable?
2. Safety and Cleanliness: I looked around to see how clean and safe the environment was. Did the staff adhere to hygiene practices, especially around mealtimes and nappy changes?
3. Learning and Play: I asked about the nursery’s approach to learning. What kind of activities were available to stimulate my child’s development and what was the balance between structured learning and play?
4. Outdoor Space: Access to a safe and stimulating outdoor space was important to me. I wanted to ensure that my child would have plenty of opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.
5. Communication: I asked questions about how the nursery communicated with parents. Would I receive regular updates about my child’s day? How did they handle concerns or emergencies?

Making the Decision

After touring several nurseries, I ultimately chose Bright Horizons. What won me over was the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine care the staff showed toward the children. The nursery had a strong educational program that emphasised child-led learning, which aligned with my values. Additionally, the communication with parents was excellent, providing me with peace of mind that I would always be informed about my child’s wellbeing.

Summary: Top Tips for Nursery Tours

1. Do Your Homework: Research nurseries beforehand and make a checklist of what’s important to you. This will help you stay focused during the tours.
2. Observe Interactions: Pay close attention to how the staff interacts with the children. Genuine warmth and engagement are key indicators of a nurturing environment.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about safety practices, learning approaches, and communication with parents. Your peace of mind is crucial.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. Your instincts as a parent are invaluable.
5. Take Your Child Along: Where possible, bring your child to the tours to see how they respond to the environment and staff.

Final Thoughts

By preparing thoroughly and trusting your instincts, you can find a nursery that not only meets your logistical needs but also feels like a second home for your child. Remember, this is a place where your child will grow, learn, and build their first relationships outside the home - so take the time to find the right fit.