We looked at a number of local nurseries when we were considering a place for Effie to start when she turned 2. We are lucky to live in an area with a number of nurseries available to us, and most were at a similar price point. So we had to consider a few different aspects when making our final decision about where she would attend.
Choosing a nursery for your 2-year-old can be a daunting task. You want to make sure that your child is in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where they feel happy and comfortable. With so many nurseries available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
Effie now attends a really lovely local nursery for 2 half days a week and she will continue to go there for wrap around care once she starts the school nursery in June. She loves it there thankfully, and the staff are brilliant with her. But if you’re still looking for a nursery for 2 year olds here are 5 things to keep in mind.
Five things to consider when choosing a nursery for your 2-year-old.
- Location – One of the first things to consider when choosing a nursery is location. You want a nursery that is close to your home or work, making it convenient to drop off and pick up your child. Additionally, consider the surrounding area. Is it safe, and are there amenities nearby, such as a park or library? A good nursery will be in a location that is easy to access and offers a safe environment for your child.
- Staff – The staff at a nursery is one of the most important factors to consider when making your decision. The staff should be experienced, qualified, and have a genuine passion for working with children. Ask about the staff-to-child ratio, and ensure that there are enough staff members to provide individual attention to your child. Additionally, check the staff turnover rate, as a high turnover rate can be a red flag.
- Facilities – A good nursery should have adequate facilities to support your child’s development. This includes age-appropriate toys and equipment, a safe outdoor play area, and a clean and hygienic environment. Take a tour of the nursery before making your decision, and ask questions about the facilities. Ensure that the nursery has a robust health and safety policy, including measures to prevent the spread of illness.
- Curriculum – While your child is still young, it is essential to consider the curriculum offered by the nursery. The nursery should have a play-based learning approach that is focused on developing your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Additionally, ask about the daily routine and activities, including the types of play, group activities, and learning opportunities available.
- Reviews and Recommendations – Finally, before making your decision, it is essential to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents. This was actually one of the most important things for me personally. Having personal recommendations from other parents I knew was something I trusted more than online reviews, and was a big deciding factor when we chose Effie’s nursery. Check online reviews and social media pages to get an idea of other parents’ experiences. Additionally, you can ask the nursery for references, and reach out to parents who currently have children attending the nursery to get their feedback.
In conclusion, choosing a nursery for you 2 year old can be a challenging task. However, by considering the location, staff, facilities, curriculum, and reviews, you can make an informed decision that will provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your child’s early years.