When selecting a nursery, phone calls, brochures, OFSTED reports alone will not suffice, arrange to visit! So what do you look for and at?

Staff
The quality of teaching is the single most important influence on the effectiveness of the educational provision received by the children. Pay particular attention to the relationships within the setting both adult to adult and adult to child.

• Are the adults welcoming, friendly and approachable?
• Are they actively engaged in working and playing with the children?
• Are they talking and listening?
• Are they positive in their praise of individuals and the group?
• Are they firm but fair with behavioural problems?
• Do you like them?

Children
A good nursery is characterised by happy smiling children engaged in purposeful activities alone, in a group or with an adult. The attention the nursery gives to personal and social development will be reflected in good relationships and high standards of behaviour. The nursery should be active with childrens' chatter.

• Are the children talking to each other?
• Do they seek help from adults?
• Do they ask questions?
• Are they listening appropriately?
• Are they joining in?
• Are they selecting activities?
• Are they helping to tidy away?
• Are there regular routines, e.g. drink/snack time, birthday celebrations, news time, listening time.

Activities
These should have a clear emphasis on developing childrens' learning in language and literacy, mathematics and on their personal and social development. In addition, activities will promote the child's physical development, creative and artistic needs and their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Look for activities which include:

• Counting, opportunities being offered. Number displays, songs and rhymes, shape play.
• Story time, opportunities to read or to be read to, alphabet displays, writing, making a mark.
• Home Corner with dressing up, role-play, indoor and outdoor climbing and sliding opportunities.
• Opportunities to explore natural materials, e.g. rocks, flowers, pets.
• Opportunities to bake.
• Paint, sand, water, tools, clay, plasticine, crayons, felt tips.
• Development of physical skills, e.g. running, climbing, jumping, skipping, throwing, kicking.
• Operating a computer.

Equipment
A good nursery will have a wide range of equipment in a good state of repair designed to promote the aforementioned activities. Often equipment will be put out on a rota basis to provide variety for the children so what you see in a visit will not necessarily be all there is. However, generally activities and equipment in use should promote the full range of the areas of learning for each session. Look for...

• How the equipment is stored.
• Is it accessible to the children?
• Are there opportunities to self select?
• Are the children involved in setting out and clearing away?
• Is it attractive, well displayed and stimulating?

Building
The exterior is probably the least important aspect to take into account when choosing a nursery. Don't choose a book by it's cover. However, from the outside you will want to know the building is secure.

• What measures does the nursery take to ensure there are no unwelcome intruders?
• What measures does the nursery take to ensure your child cannot wander off?
• What measures does the nursery take to ensure your child is collected only by yourself or those designated by you?
• Are there secure outdoor play facilities both soft and hard?

The interior of even the oldest building can be bright, attractive, stimulating, informative. Are there....

• Parents' notice boards.
• Displays of childrens' work - every child should be valued in this way at some time.
• Displays to stimulate childrens' questions.
• Displays to reflect all areas of learning.
• Interactive displays that allow children to touch, explore and learn.

Parental Involvement
All good nurseries encourage active partnership with parents in the child's learning. Ask about...

• Access to records on your child's progress.
• Open days.
• Reports to parents on your child's progress.
• Invitations to special occasions, e.g. nativity play, sports day.
• Loan of reading books.
• Sharing information and problems.
• Helping in the nursery for one or more sessions.

Finally having chosen a nursery, don't sit back and leave them to it - STAY INVOLVED!

Author: Denise Proctor, Qualified Teacher and Nursery OFSTED Inspector