New & Expecting Parents: The Complete Guide to Nurseries

Congratulations! Whether you're expecting your first little one or already cradling a newborn, the question of childcare probably feels a long way off — and yet, in many parts of the UK, nurseries are booked up months (sometimes years) in advance. This guide walks you through everything: when to register, how to choose, what to ask, and a checklist to take with you on visits.

When should you register?

The honest answer: earlier than you think. In high-demand areas like London, Bristol, Brighton and parts of Manchester, popular nurseries have waiting lists 12–18 months long. Here's a rough timeline:

• During pregnancy (2nd–3rd trimester): Start researching nurseries in your area. Many parents register on waiting lists before baby arrives.
• 0–6 months old: Visit your shortlisted nurseries, join waiting lists, and confirm your preferred start date.
• 6–9 months before you return to work: Reconfirm your place, complete paperwork, and arrange settling-in sessions.
• 1 month before starting: Book settling-in visits — most nurseries offer 2–4 short sessions to help your child adjust.

How to choose a nursery

There's no single 'best' nursery — only the best one for your family. Start by thinking about what matters most to you:

• Location: Close to home or close to work? Both have trade-offs. Near home means easier sick-day pickups; near work means more time with your baby on the commute.
• Hours and flexibility: Do they offer the hours you need? Are part-time days fixed or flexible?
• Approach: Mainstream, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner, Forest School, bilingual — each has a different philosophy. Read our guides on each approach to find your fit.
• Cost and funding: Confirm fees, what's included (meals, nappies, trips), and whether they accept government-funded hours.
• Ofsted rating: A useful starting filter, but not the whole story — visit in person before deciding.

Key things to think about

• Staff turnover: Settled, long-serving staff usually means a happier nursery. Ask how long key workers have been there.
• Child-to-staff ratios: England requires 1:3 for under-2s, 1:5 for 2-year-olds, 1:8 for 3+. Some nurseries do better than the legal minimum.
• Key worker system: Your child should have one named adult who knows them well and is your main point of contact.
• Settling-in policy: Good nurseries take settling-in seriously and don't rush the process.
• Communication: Daily updates, photo apps, end-of-day handovers — how will you know about your child's day?
• Food: Are meals freshly cooked on-site? How do they handle allergies, weaning and fussy eaters?
• Outdoor space: Daily outdoor play matters — even a small garden used well beats a big one that's barely used.
• Sickness policy: When will they call you to collect? What's their exclusion policy for common illnesses?

Your nursery visit checklist

Take this with you — print it, screenshot it, or open it on your phone. The way staff answer matters as much as the answers themselves.

• First impressions: Does it feel calm or chaotic? Are children engaged and happy? Does it smell clean?
• Watch the staff: Are they down at the children's level? Do they know each child by name? Do they look like they enjoy their job?
• Ask to see the baby room: Is it warm, calm, and well-equipped? Where do babies sleep, and how is sleep monitored?
• Check the outdoor space: Is it used in all weather? Is it safe and stimulating?
• Look at the day's routine: Is there a balance of structured activities and free play? When do they eat, sleep, go outside?
• Ask about settling in: How many sessions are offered? Are parents welcome to stay?
• Ask about transitions: How do children move between rooms as they grow?
• Fees and notice: What's the deposit? When are fees due? What notice period applies if you leave?
• Ofsted report: Ask to see the latest report and the action plan if there were any improvements needed.
• Talk to other parents: If you can, chat to a parent at drop-off or pickup — they'll give you the real picture.

Questions to ask on a tour

• What does a typical day look like?
• How do you support communication and language at this age?
• How do you handle behaviour, biting and conflict between children?
• How do you keep parents informed throughout the day?
• What happens if my child is unsettled or upset?
• How do you manage allergies and dietary needs?
• What training do staff have, and how often is it refreshed?
• What's your safeguarding policy and who is the designated lead?

Trust your instincts

Spreadsheets, ratings and recommendations are useful — but ultimately, you'll know. If you walk out feeling reassured, warm and confident, that's a great sign. If something niggles, listen to that too. You know your child best.