#1 of 10 top tips on what to look for when choosing a nursery for your child.

If this is the first time you have ever thought about using a nursery it is absolutely crucial that you know what to look for and why these things are important.  This series of tips are excerpts from the book The Definitive Guide to Choosing a Nursery, by our principal and founder, Jane Smalley.

Top tip number 1.  The outside of the building

What to look for:

The building should look neat and well-maintained. Windows with clean blinds or shutters or painted pictures are all OK. The nursery should have bright and clear signage with the nursery logo or name on it. The building should look as though it is cared for by a very house-proud owner.  This is important because it tells you something about the business mentality of the owner. The owner who lives on-site, nearby or who also manages the business will know that first impressions count, they won’t want to go to work every day to a shabby and run-down establishment.

Some of my clients are owners of several nurseries, some are business people and some live in other countries. Many of these people have other business interests, but are keenly interested in their nurseries. However, this is not always the case. I have worked with some nurseries where the owner, a successful builder, contractor or entrepreneur never goes near the nursery and spends little effort or capital investment in the place. Shabby paintwork, poorly maintained building and grounds as well as staff who appear to lack motivation and interest in their role may all point to a disinterested owner.  A disinterested owner may hold the purse strings very tightly.

Beware of:

• Peeling paint, rotten woodwork, dirty windows and poor fencing.
• The nursery sign that looks as if it has been hanging from a thread since time began and is dirty or faded.
• Car park or play areas that appear uncared for with litter and debris left lying around.
• Hanging baskets that no longer have any sign of life; they were probably bought by a well-meaning manager with too little time or inclination to care for them.

Look out for our Choosing a Nursery Tip Number 2 coming soon!

We really hope you have found Jane’s top tips for choosing a nursery useful. Want to know more? Come and meet us and tour the Prepatoria, contact Jane directly to arrange. Alternatively, Jane’s book is available to purchase here.

Read the rest of Jane’s Top Tips on Choosing a nursery, and other blogs.