6 Ways to Find a Nursery With a Great Staff Team
- Laura Vida
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A nursery is only as good as its staff team.
So, if nursery hunting, do find out as much as you can about the individuals who will care for and shape your child. What qualifications do staff have? How experienced are they? What are their interests and values? Can you get a sense of the nursery manager’s C.V.?
Download the latest Care Inspectorate report for the nursery. Usefully, a grade (1= Unsatisfactory to 6 = excellent) is given for the quality of the staff team. There is another grade allocated for leadership (how effectively the nursery is managed). NB: Nurseries in Scotland are inspected on a ‘sampling based approach.’ So, note the date of the last inspection, and find out if there has been a change of management since.
If the nursery has a website, see if staff biogs are listed. If there has been a recent change of management, you’ll be able to glean info. about the experience of the new manager, and each member of the team. NB: It is not unusual for staff to leave when a new manager starts. This is not necessarily a bad sign. But it could signal a new direction.
If possible, take a look at the nursery manager’s LinkedIn page. If this info. is unavailable elsewhere, you’ll get a sense of their experience and qualifications.
Speak to other parents at local toddler groups and children’s classes. You might also be able to read google reviews and testimonials on the nursery website. Consider connecting with others on Mumsnet, or on local Facebook groups such as Edinburgh for Under 5s. But ideally, you’ll be able to speak to fellow parents, grandparents or carers in person.
If possible, look at the nursery’s advertised roles online. How experienced or qualified do staff need to be to work at the nursery? You’ll find a wide range of minimum requirements from nursery to nursery, in both sectors. It’s also worth finding out what happens when staff are unwell. Does the nursery have dedicated supply staff who know the children? Or do they rely on a bank of unfamiliar faces?
Most importantly, visit the nursery, and stay as long as you can! Watch the children interacting with the staff, and, if possible, speak to the nursery manager. This is the best way to get a proper sense of the staff team and ethos. Ask yourself whether you could see your child at the nursery and whether you like the general vibe. Would you feel happy leaving your child there? Could you trust the staff? Your gut should give you the answer.