The Ultimate Nursery Checklist: How to Find the Right Fit for Your Child

Choosing a Nursery: What to Know and Where to Start

Finding the right person or place to look after your baby, toddler, or young child can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to have mixed emotions about it. Some parents are excited to return to work but anxious about leaving their little one; others might dread the thought altogether. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s completely natural.

Whether you’re considering a childminder, grandparents, or nursery, there’s a lot to weigh up. For many families, nursery is the most practical option, but securing a place isn’t always straightforward. Popular nurseries can be oversubscribed, so it’s wise to start looking early, even before your baby arrives. I couldn’t believe it when I was the only person my antenatal course who hadn’t secured their nursery place already!

Things to Think About When Choosing a Nursery

Hours & Flexibility

Your child doesn’t have to attend full-time or full days. Most nurseries offer flexible options:

• Full days: Usually 10 hours (7:30am–5:30pm / 8am–6pm)
• Short days: Around 7 hours
• Half days: Morning or afternoon sessions

You may need to commit to a minimum number of sessions each week.

Ofsted Reports

Check the nursery’s most recent Ofsted report. It highlights strengths, weaknesses, and safety standards, especially around safeguarding, leadership, and quality of care.

Funded Hours & Extra Costs

Most families can get 30 funded hours per week for 38 weeks a year. Ask nurseries how they apply them. Extra charges can include:

• Meals & snacks
• Nappies or wipes
• Any hours beyond your funded allowance

Nurseries may still charge on bank holidays or when closed, usually at a reduced rate (~20–25%). Factor this in when planning your working days.

Communication & Updates

Many nurseries use an app to update parents on naps, meals, nappy changes, and activities. Getting a quick message or photo can be reassuring in those early days.

Opening Times & Holidays

• Term-time nurseries suit parents in education
• Year-round nurseries fit most working families better

Even full-year settings may close around Easter or Christmas, so check whether you’ll need to use annual leave during closures.

Settling-In Process

Ask about the nursery’s settling-in approach. Most start with shorter sessions, gradually building up so your child feels secure.

Illness Policy

Children pick up germs at nursery, part of the experience! Check:

• When your child needs to stay home
• Required symptom-free periods (e.g., after fever or sickness)
• Medication policies (e.g., teething gel)

Parent Reviews & Reputation

Word of mouth is invaluable. Speak to local parents or read online reviews to gauge happiness levels and the nursery’s atmosphere.

Daily Routine, Learning & Meals

Ask what a typical day includes:

• Balance of structured activities vs free play
• Freshly made meals and allergy management
• Support for your child’s learning and interests

Location & Logistics

Be practical:

• Does the nursery opening hours fit around your work schedule?
• How long is the journey from home or work?
• Are there extra fees for late pick-ups?
• How flexible are they if your work overruns?

Traffic, commuting and flexibility can make a big difference to your daily routine, so think about how this could affect your nursery plans.

How to Secure a Place

• Pay a non-refundable deposit (£20–£100)
• Complete the nursery paperwork (start dates and sessions can often be amended)
• Apply early to avoid waiting lists

Bottom Line:
Planning ahead, asking the right questions, and researching carefully can help you find a nursery that suits your child and gives you peace of mind. Securing your nursery spot is just one of many baby essentials covered in Listely’s baby to-do list, helping you stay organised and confident week by week. With interactive checklists, tailored advice based on your birth and feeding choices, and progress tracking, Listely supports you at every stage, so you can focus on what truly matters: welcoming your little one with confidence.

Explore lists today: Pregnancy Week-by-Week To-Do List, Hospital Bag List, Shopping List, and First 8 Weeks List.