14 Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing a Nursery in 2025

Choosing the right nursery for your child is a big decision. Whether you're a first-time parent or looking for a new setting, knowing what to ask can help you feel confident about your choice. To guide you, we’ve put together 14 must-ask questions, with insights from our experts at Fennies, to ensure your child receives the best start in life.

The Nursery: Key Questions to Consider

1. What Are Your Safeguarding Policies?

Safeguarding is a top priority when selecting a nursery. It covers everything from child protection and health and safety to staff recruitment and premises security. 

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework outlines the safeguarding and welfare requirements every nursery must meet.

Tip: Ask for the nursery’s latest Ofsted report to gain deeper insights into their safeguarding measures.

2. What Are the Staff-to-Child Ratios?

Understanding staff-to-child ratios helps you assess how much individual attention your child will receive. At Fennies, we follow the EYFS statutory guidelines:

• Babies (under 2 years) - 1 adult for every 3 children
• Toddlers (2 years) - 1 adult for every 5 children
• Preschool (3+ years) - 1 adult for every 8 children, or 1:13 with a qualified teacher​

These ratios ensure high-quality supervision and personalised care for each child.

3. What’s Included in My Nursery Fees?

Clarifying what’s covered in your fees helps avoid unexpected costs. Ask whether the nursery provides:

• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Nappies, wipes, and daily essentials
• Extracurricular activities like languages, sports, and yoga
• Special events and trips

At Fennies, our all-inclusive fees cover a wide range of services, offering excellent value without hidden charges.

4. Do You Offer Funded Childcare Places?

Childcare can be costly, but various funding schemes are available. Ask about:

• 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare
• Tax-Free Childcare options
• Local authority funding

Fennies offers a range of funded options to support families. Learn more on our Fees and Funding page​.

Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being

5. What Additional Learning Activities Do You Provide?

While all nurseries follow the EYFS framework, some offer more enriching activities. At Fennies, we enhance learning with:

• STEM Programs
• Makaton Sign Language
• Focused Art Sessions
• Multitude of Languages 
• Daily Yoga or Sports Lessons​
• Music and Movement

These activities foster creativity, critical thinking, and well-being.

6. How Will You Support My Child’s Well-Being?

A nurturing environment is key to your child’s happiness. Ask:

• How do you support emotional development?
• Do you provide balanced, nutritious meals?
• Are there dedicated well-being activities?

At Fennies, we prioritise holistic well-being, offering mindfulness sessions, outdoor play, and healthy meals prepared by onsite chefs.

7. How Do You Prepare Children for School?

School readiness isn’t just about literacy and numeracy. At Fennies, we focus on:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Social and emotional development
• Building independence and confidence

We work closely with local schools to ensure a seamless transition for every child​.

The Nursery Team

8. What Are Your Staff Recruitment Processes?

High-quality staff recruitment ensures your child is in safe hands. At Fennies, we follow safer recruitment practices, including:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Reference checks
• In-person work trials

Our thorough process results in a stable, experienced team.

9. How Do You Support Staff Training and Development?

Ongoing professional development is key. At Fennies, staff receive:

• Regular safeguarding and first aid training
• Access to the Fennies Academy for continuous learning
• 1:1 coaching and leadership development programs

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This ensures our educators are always up-to-date with best practices, check out our blog to find out more about the benefits and development opportunities we provide at Fennies.

10. What Qualifications Do Your Staff Hold?

Qualified staff provide better care and education. Ask about:

• Level 2 & 3 Early Years Educator qualifications
• Degree-level qualifications
• Ongoing training opportunities

At Fennies, we’re proud of our highly qualified team, many of whom progress to leadership roles within the nursery.

Parent Partnerships

11. How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Child’s Progress?

Strong communication builds trust. At Fennies, we use the Parent App to share:

• Daily updates on activities, meals, and naps
• Photos and videos of your child’s learning
• Developmental milestones and reports

Your child’s key person will keep you informed every step of the way.

12. How Do You Support Parental Involvement?

A strong partnership between parents and nursery is vital. Fennies offers:

• Stay-and-play sessions
• Parent workshops
• Community events like graduations and themed activities​

These opportunities help you feel connected to your child’s Early Years journey.

Health, Safety, and Operational Procedures

13. How Do You Ensure a Safe and Healthy Environment?

Ask about:

• Daily cleaning routines
• Secure entry systems
• First aid and emergency procedures

At Fennies, we maintain high safety standards through regular health checks, secure facilities, and dedicated housekeeping teams.

14. Can I Visit the Nursery Before Enrolling?

A nursery visit helps you get a feel for the environment. At Fennies, we offer:

• In-person tours
• Virtual tours for flexibility
• Open days to meet staff and explore activities​

Seeing the nursery firsthand can help you make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a nursery is about more than just ticking boxes—it’s about finding a place where your child feels happy, safe, and inspired to learn. By asking these 14 key questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into each nursery’s approach to care, education, and well-being.

Ready to explore Fennies? Book a tour today and discover how we create the perfect environment for your child to thrive​.