You've found a nursery with availability. They seem nice enough on the phone. But how do you know if they're actually the right fit for your child? These 7 questions will reveal everything you need to know.
Why Most Parents Ask the Wrong Questions
When desperation kicks in, most parents focus on availability and price. "Do you have space?" and "How much does it cost?" become the only questions that matter. But quality nurseries expect discerning parents to dig deeper.
The questions below aren't just about gathering information - they're about demonstrating that you're a parent who cares about quality. Good nurseries want parents who ask these questions. Poor nurseries will struggle to answer them convincingly.
Question 1: "How do you handle challenging behaviour?"
Why This Matters:
Every child has difficult moments. How a nursery responds reveals their understanding of child development and their patience levels.
What you're listening for: Specific strategies like distraction techniques, calm-down spaces, or positive reinforcement. Avoid nurseries that mention punishment, naughty steps, or seem to view challenging behaviour as a problem to eliminate rather than a normal part of development.
Red flag response: "We don't really have behaviour problems here" or "Children who can't behave get sent to the office."
Question 2: "Can you walk me through a typical day for my child's age group?"
This question reveals whether they have a structured approach to child development or if children are simply supervised until pickup time.
What you're listening for: A clear routine that balances free play, structured activities, outdoor time, meals, and rest. They should mention age-appropriate learning goals and how they adapt activities for different developmental stages.
Quality nurseries will mention:
- Specific learning objectives for each activity
- How they adapt for different children's needs
- Balance of child-led and adult-led activities
- Flexibility when children need extra support
Question 3: "How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and daily experiences?"
Communication gaps are one of the biggest sources of parent anxiety. This question reveals whether you'll be kept informed or left wondering what happened each day.
What you're listening for: Daily feedback systems, regular progress updates, photos/videos, and open-door policies for concerned parents. The best nurseries proactively share both achievements and challenges.
Red flag response: "We'll let you know if there are any problems" or communication that only happens during formal reviews.
Question 4: "What qualifications do your staff have, and how often do they receive training?"
Staff qualifications directly impact the quality of care your child receives. This question also shows whether the nursery invests in professional development.
Minimum Standards to Look For:
- • Level 3 Early Years qualifications for senior staff
- • Recent first aid and safeguarding training
- • Ongoing professional development programs
- • Low staff turnover (ask about this directly)
Question 5: "How do you support children who are struggling with separation anxiety?"
Even if your child hasn't shown separation anxiety yet, this question reveals the nursery's understanding of emotional development and their patience with the settling-in process.
What you're listening for: Gradual settling-in procedures, comfort objects policies, specific strategies for anxious children, and acknowledgment that some children take longer to settle than others.
Question 6: "What happens if my child gets sick or injured while here?"
Accidents and illnesses are inevitable. This question reveals their procedures, medical capabilities, and communication protocols during emergencies.
What you're listening for: Clear illness policies, first aid procedures, when they call parents, medication administration protocols, and incident reporting systems.
Question 7: "Can you give me an example of how you've supported a child with additional needs?"
Even if your child doesn't have additional needs, this question reveals the nursery's inclusivity, adaptability, and understanding that every child is different.
What you're listening for: Specific examples (without naming children), collaboration with external professionals, individual support plans, and a positive attitude toward differences.
The Ultimate Test:
Quality nurseries will welcome these questions and often expand on their answers enthusiastically. If a nursery seems rushed, defensive, or unable to provide specific examples, that tells you everything you need to know.
Beyond the Questions: Trust Your Instincts
While these questions provide crucial insights, don't ignore your gut feeling. Quality nurseries feel warm, welcoming, and professional. The staff should seem genuinely interested in children and happy to be there.
Remember: you're not just choosing childcare - you're choosing your child's first educational environment and the people who will influence their early development. These questions ensure you make an informed decision rather than accepting the first available place.