1. Does the nursery have a welcoming, happy and cheerful atmosphere – are the children and the carers having fun?

2. Are the children happy and settled? Does the person showing you around know the children? Do the children want to chat with you or the person showing you around?

3. Are child carers sitting with and interacting with the children or with each other?

4. Do the premises and equipment look clean but used? (Perfect equipment has not been used by children! Any experienced parent will tell you that an environment where children are active and enjoying themselves will NEVER be pristine!)

5. Do the children have opportunities to learn, explore and have fun in a natural environment outdoors? (Children need to learn about their world and so outdoor play environments should give them opportunities to explore mud, sand, leaves, grass, and build, run and jump. A ready made road and climbing frame isn’t nearly as challenging as crates, planks and den building equipment.

You can download this list from our funcare website here.

If you have any more questions, we’d be happy to answer them and show you around our lovely nurseries.