How to Choose a Nursery: What to Look for When Making the Right Choice for Your Child
Choosing a nursery is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your child’s early years. It’s about so much more than finding a convenient location — it’s about finding a setting where your little one will feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. So, how do you choose a nursery that feels right?
At My Ohana, we believe that great childcare starts with great people — and we’re proud of the attention to detail our team puts into every single day. But we also know that every child and every family is unique, and finding the right nursery is a deeply personal journey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a nursery, so you can feel confident in your decision…
Contents
1. Build a Foundation of Trust and Communication
A great nursery builds strong relationships with both children and parents. From friendly daily catch-ups at drop-off and pick-up to regular updates through tools like the ParentZone app, communication is key.
At My Ohana, we take the time to understand each child as an individual — tailoring their experience to support their emotional wellbeing, development and curiosity. Our commitment to personalised care is just one of the things that sets us apart.
To understand more about how nurseries help children thrive, take a look at our blog on Why Early Years Education is Important for Your Child’s Development.
2. Consider Ofsted Reports and Quality Standards
When choosing a nursery, parents often balance gut instinct with practical information — and Ofsted reports offer valuable insight into a nursery’s standards, leadership, and approach to care.
All My Ohana nurseries are regularly inspected, and you can view each nursery’s most recent Ofsted report on their individual pages. We encourage parents to use this as part of the decision-making process, alongside a visit to get a true feel for the setting.
3. Look for Shared Values and a Positive Environment
A nursery should feel like a home away from home — a place where your child feels safe, valued, and inspired to explore. At My Ohana, our values centre around individuality, creativity and connection.
Children thrive in consistent, nurturing environments. That’s why it’s so important to find a nursery whose values align with your own. Whether it’s a focus on outdoor play, emotional wellbeing, or tailored learning approaches, the right nursery will reflect the kind of experience you want for your child.
You can read more about how nurseries shape children’s experiences and growth in our article on Holistic Child Development: Beyond the Borders of Daycare Nursery.
4. Prioritise Safety and Security
When thinking about what to look for in a nursery, safety should always be a top priority. This goes beyond secure entrances — it includes clear safeguarding policies, staff ratios, emergency procedures, and medical care protocols.
Transparency is key. Nurseries should be open about how they keep children safe and how they prepare for unexpected situations. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, our guide on Nursery Safety and Security breaks down what parents should expect and ask about.
5. Understand Costs and What’s Included
While budget shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing a nursery, it is an important one. Regular attendance helps build routines and support consistency for your child, so it’s essential to find a nursery that fits within your financial planning.
At My Ohana, we’re always happy to talk through fees and availability. Each nursery operates under a different structure, and our team can help you explore what’s right for you and your child.
6. Visit and Trust Your Instincts
Finally, nothing compares to visiting a nursery in person. Spend time observing the environment, watching how staff interact with children, and asking questions. Every child is different, and finding the right fit is about recognising where your little one will feel happy, confident, and excited to learn.
To see what a day in the life of nursery looks like, read our blog on Nursery Daily Routines: Balancing Learning, Play and Wellbeing.
Want to Learn More?
They say when you know, you know — and we couldn’t agree more. If you think My Ohana might be the right choice for your family, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
Ready to explore? Contact us today to book a tour of your nearest My Ohana nursery.
