Choosing a nursery or early years setting is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the early stages of parenthood. It’s not just about childcare, it’s about finding a place where your child will feel safe, supported, and genuinely happy while they learn, play, and grow.
For many families, this is also the first big routine change: mornings with a new schedule, drop-offs that might feel emotional at first, and the start of a fresh chapter where your little one begins building independence. It’s completely normal to have questions, doubts, and a long checklist of “must-haves”.
To make the process easier, here are the key things to look for when choosing an early years setting, plus a few practical tips to help you feel confident in your decision.
1. A calm, safe and welcoming environment
First impressions matter. When you walk into a nursery, you should feel a sense of warmth and care. The space doesn’t need to be flashy, but it should feel clean, organised, and designed around children’s needs.
Look out for:
- Secure entry systems and clear safeguarding procedures
- Clean and well-maintained play areas
- Age-appropriate resources and equipment
- Calm spaces for rest and quiet time
- Plenty of natural light and room to explore
A high-quality setting creates an environment where children feel comfortable being themselves, and that makes a huge difference in how quickly they settle.
2. A strong focus on emotional wellbeing
Early years education is about more than learning colours and counting. It’s about confidence, communication, self-esteem, and emotional development.
A great nursery team understands that children need to feel safe emotionally before they can thrive socially or academically. Staff should speak kindly, encourage children gently, and respond to emotions with patience and reassurance.
Ask questions like:
- How do you support children with separation anxiety?
- What happens if a child is upset or struggling to settle?
- How do you help children build confidence and resilience?
A nurturing approach helps children feel secure, which leads to happier days, better development, and smoother transitions.
3. A consistent key person system
Children do best when they form strong relationships with familiar adults. Many nurseries use a key person approach, where one staff member takes the lead in supporting your child and keeping track of their development.
This gives children:
- A trusted adult they can bond with
- Consistency in care and routines
- Someone who notices changes in their behaviour or needs
- A familiar face at drop-off and throughout the day
It also benefits parents, because you have a clear point of contact who really knows your child.
4. Learning through play (done properly)
Play is not “just play”. It’s how children learn about the world, develop language, build problem-solving skills, practise social interaction, and explore their creativity.
The best nurseries offer structured play in a way that feels fun, engaging, and age-appropriate. You should see a mix of activities that support:
- Communication and language development
- Early literacy through stories, songs, and conversation
- Fine motor skills through crafts, puzzles, and construction
- Early maths through counting, sorting, and patterns
- Imaginative play to build confidence and expression
A strong setting will balance free play with gentle guidance and opportunities for learning that suit each child’s pace.
5. Outdoor play and physical development
Outdoor time is essential for children, not just for physical development, but for wellbeing too. Fresh air, movement, and outdoor exploration support coordination, confidence, and social play.
Look for:
- A safe outdoor area with a variety of activities
- Regular outdoor time built into the daily routine
- Opportunities for running, climbing, balancing, and team play
- Outdoor learning experiences, not just “a break”
Even in busier locations, the best nurseries make physical activity a priority because it supports both focus and mood.
6. Clear communication with parents and carers
A nursery should feel like a partnership. You should never feel unsure about what your child is doing, how they’re getting on, or what they need.
Great early years settings offer:
- Daily updates (in person or via an app)
- Development observations and feedback
- Clear routines around food, naps, and activities
- Open communication if there are any concerns
- Supportive conversations, not rushed drop-offs
When parents feel informed, children benefit too. Consistency between home and nursery creates stability.
7. Practical routines that support real family life
Finally, don’t underestimate how important “practical” can be. The right nursery needs to work for your family’s routine as well as your child’s development.
Consider:
- Location and travel time
- Session options and flexibility
- Holiday arrangements
- What’s included (meals, snacks, nappies, extra activities)
- How illness policies are handled
- The overall approach to structure and routine
The goal is to find a setting that fits your lifestyle, reduces stress, and makes day-to-day life easier.
Finding the right fit
The best nursery for your child will be one where they feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited to go. As a parent, you should feel reassured by the staff, comfortable with the setting, and confident that your child is being cared for with kindness and consistency.
If you’re currently exploring options and want to learn more about a nurturing early years environment, you can visit kensington kindergarten to find out more and take the next step.
Choosing the right nursery is a big decision, but with the right setting, it becomes the start of something really special.