As the title suggests, we have decided the time is approaching for Erin to spread her little wings one morning a week and make some buddies.

We have spent the morning enquiring at four nurseries. One was full, and two others have a minimum session requirement….a minimum session requirement?! The nurseries seem to only be catering for working parents and not parents (like myself) who require some social stimulation for their child and a child-free morning to get things done.

The fourth one we visited was more successful, we’re allowed to do ‘just one morning’ and there should be places available in the summer. We have a meeting at 10.30am tomorrow.

Questions I Plan To Ask (Because all good parents have planned questions!)

1. Ask about daily routine.

2. Ask about discipline procedures.

3. Find out how often they go outside, for walks, on excursions.

4. Ask about staff, age, sex (I think male staff are a real bonus), qualifications and experience.

5. Ask about snack provisions (brochure says healthy, but I’d like to know more).

4 Responses to “Searching For a Nice Nursery One Morning a Week”

1. Whitney says:

   January 25, 2007 at 3:43 am

   I think you have to look for a place that does activities with kids- centers, exploration of the environment- you don;t want a place that’s going to have them doing flash cards. You want fun a nuturing at this age, and a place where the “vibe” feels good. In the States, preschools and child care centers can get accredited by a group called NAEYC- Nat’l Association for the Education of young Children- this is not an easy accreditation to get, so centers have spent time and money on their programs to bring them up to pretty high standards of developmentally appropriate education. Maybe there is something similar in the UK?
   It does kind of drive me crazy some times that we set all the standards out for day cares and nurseries that are often much higher than the standards we set for ourselves at home, or when baby is visiting our relatives- but when you pay you expect more, but then say- they would be best at home- seems ironic, eh?
   Whit
2. Little Mummy says:

   January 25, 2007 at 7:42 am

   Thanks Whitney, I went for the visit, the nursery was busy. Good busy. There were plenty of play opportunities and a great outdoor space. As it is for only one session I am mainly looking for somewhere there is a variety of play opportunities available at once, and full chance to socialise. The nursery I went to today fitted the bill, it seemed honest. It was neither the quietest, cleanest or organised nursery I have seen, but I think it is the perfect place for Erin to ‘let off a little steam’. She is at home with me the rest of the time where I am teaching her manners, morals, discipline and life skills, nursery is just a chance to assert her independance and social skills.

   I think she is going to love it, she was trying to leap out of my husband’s arms to go play
3. local girl says:

   January 28, 2007 at 2:41 pm

   Very smart. It’s always good to go in armed with questions that you’ve written down. That way you won’t forget anything.

   Thank you for sharing this with the Carnival of Family Life.
4. An Island Life » Carnival of Family Life #39 says:

   January 28, 2007 at 5:42 pm

   [...] Visit Erica of LittleMummy is looking for child care. Read about her search for the perfect nursery in Searching For a Nice Nursery One Morning a Week. [...]