According to Ashford Prep School, going to nursery school gives very young children a head-start as they develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. But there is a lot to think about when visiting a nursery, so with the help of Ashford Prep School, we’ve asked the experts for some advice.

Amy Hancock, Deputy Head of Stables Nursery (ashfordschool.co.uk) says that the key things to look for on a visit are: “Happy and confident children. You should see children being encouraged to do problem-solving, having fun playing with different toys and trying their best to express their thoughts and ideas. A ‘heathy mind and a healthy body’ is a well-known saying for a good reason. As well as asking about heathy food, snacks and rest periods, talk to the practitioners about mental wellbeing, emotional resilience, and how they develop mindfulness in children. Look out for evidence for friendships and inclusivity between the children. Are friendships and kindness valued and nurtured?”

“When choosing a nursery for your neurodiverse child, trust your instincts, you know your child better than anyone else. You understand the kind of environment in which they feel safe, calm, and able to thrive. If your child needs to move, outdoor space and freedom to explore might be essential. If they seek calm and quiet, find a setting that offers a dedicated quiet area. Pay attention to how staff respond when you share your child’s needs, openness and confidence can speak volumes. If they seem uncertain or hesitant, it may not be the right setting. However, if they respond with thoughtful questions, share ideas, or describe strategies they have used to support other neurodiverse children, that’s a strong indicator they are well prepared. Don’t be afraid to ask how they have supported children in the past – their experience and understanding can make a real difference to your child’s early experiences of education and care.” – Dr Selina Warlow, founder of The Nook Clinic thenookclinic.co.uk

“When visiting a nursery, look beyond the facilities – pay attention to how staff engage with children. Are they warm, responsive and genuinely interested? Ask how the nursery supports children’s emotional wellbeing, not just their academic development. At Hopscotch, we believe the best care starts with strong relationships, and we’re proud to be introducing an Infant Mental Health Policy to formalise this. It’s also worth asking about staff turnover, key person systems, and how the nursery works with parents to support each child as an individual.” – Phil Ford, Managing Director, Hopscotch Nurseries hopscotch.uk.com

“When visiting a Nursery it is important to see how the children are learning and playing and the quality of interactions between the children and the Early Years Practitioners. You’ll know when you’ve found the right place—it will just feel right.” – Fran Russell, Head of Bridge Nursery on East Hill in Ashford Town ashfordschool.co.uk

“It is obvious that children in high quality nurseries develop stronger language skills, problem-solving abilities, and social confidence. These skills help make a great foundation for success at Primary School, which also helps later as children grow up.” – Matea Pavletic, Director of Nurseries at Ashford School ashfordschool.co.uk