Choosing the right nursery for your child | Newry Nursery and Juniors


  • What are the opening times? What age range do they take? Do they offer part-time places?
  • Are fire alarms and fire extinguishers provided, and do both staff and children understand the fire drill?
  • Has your child's security been properly considered – do they have CCTV or door control access?
  • Will the cleaning standards in rooms, kitchens and toilet facilities protect your child's health?
  • What are the parking facilities, are they on the street or on-site?
  • Always read their CIW Inspection Report as these are carried out unannounced and look at the children whole experience at the setting

Newry Nursery Reception

  • Who is in charge? What experience in childcare and what qualifications does that person have?
  • Who will be personally responsible for your child's progress, and how qualified is that person?
  • What is the ratio of staff to children, and how many of the staff are qualified? More than half the staff must hold a childcare qualification equivalent to NVQ3 (NNEB, BTEC).
  • Will more than one adult supervise your child's group? What will happen in the case of an illness or emergency?
  • How many staff have been with the nursery for over a year? The stability of the staff is important to the continuity of the care provided.
  • How many of the staff are qualified in first aid?

 

Newry Nursery Staff Board

  • What are the procedures for settling in new children?
  • What type of food is provided? What is the policy on biscuits and sweets? How do they cope with food allergies or special dietary needs?
  • Do the displays and equipment provide a challenging and stimulating environment for your child?
  • Will there be a planned progression of activities and skills throughout the year, or primarily just play?
  • What are the policies on discipline? How do you feel about them?
  • Have the children been taught to behave towards others in a thoughtful and considerate way?

Newry Nursery Staff with children

  • Do the children look happy and relaxed? Are they interested in what they are doing?
  • Are the staff focused on the needs of the children or are they chatting to each other?
  • Is the building clean and pleasant? Are the toys clean and fairly new or worn out and dirty?
  • Do the children use the outdoor facilities regularly, and are there open-air play activities

Newry Nursery Staff with child

Arrange a visit and see us for yourself