How to choose the best nursery near you: a parents guide

Choosing the right nursery for your child is a significant decision, and it is natural to want to get it right. The best setting supports your child's early development, keeps them safe and happy, and gives you peace of mind while you are apart. To help you feel confident in your choice, here is a practical guide to the key things to consider when looking for a nursery near you, drawn from our experience as an Ofsted Outstanding setting in Buckshaw Village, Chorley.

Consider the location and convenience

Location is often the first thing parents think about, and for good reason. A nursery that is close to your home, your workplace, or somewhere sensible in between makes the daily routine far easier. Shorter journeys mean less time in the car for your child and a calmer, more convenient drop-off and pick-up each day.

The Hub at Buckshaw is on Unity Place in Buckshaw Village, just off the M6 with free parking on site, which makes us an easy choice for families across Chorley, Leyland, Euxton, Preston and Whittle-le-Woods.

Check the latest Ofsted rating

Ofsted inspects nurseries in England and publishes a report on the quality of care and education at each setting. Reading the most recent report gives you a clear, independent picture of a nursery's standards, its learning environment and how well children are looked after.

As a general rule, look for a nursery rated Good or Outstanding. Our nursery is proud to be rated Ofsted Outstanding across every available area, and we also hold the Millie's Mark accreditation, which recognises our commitment to exceptional paediatric first aid.

Look at the curriculum and teaching approach

A quality nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework that sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to age five. Ask how the setting brings the EYFS to life and whether it offers a play-based, well-rounded programme.

It is worth asking about the activities, resources and opportunities for creative exploration on offer. Children learn best through hands-on, meaningful play, so look for a setting that encourages curiosity, problem-solving and a genuine love of learning. You can read more about our approach in our post on the role of play in early childhood education.

Review health, safety and wellbeing policies

Your child's safety and wellbeing should always come first. Ask to see the nursery's safeguarding, health and safety policies, and check the practical details that keep children secure day to day.

• Secure entry systems so only authorised people can access the building
• High standards of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the setting
• Staff-to-child ratios that meet or exceed the legal requirements
• Clear procedures for illness, allergies, accidents and emergencies

Observe the staff and the atmosphere

The people who care for your child make all the difference. When you visit, notice how attentive, warm and nurturing the staff are, and how well they engage with the children in their care. A welcoming, friendly atmosphere is one of the clearest signs of a quality setting.

Trust your instincts. If the staff are attentive and the children seem happy, settled and engaged, it usually means the nursery is doing something right.

Think about the practical factors

Finally, consider the everyday practicalities that need to fit around family life. These often make the difference between a nursery that works for you and one that does not.

• Opening hours that align with your work schedule and routine
• A fee structure that is clear, transparent and affordable for your family
• Any supplementary services on offer, such as breakfast clubs or after-school care

At The Hub at Buckshaw, our nursery sits alongside a wider family of services on one site, including Splash swimming and the Cappuccino cafe, so we can support your family well beyond the early years.

Come and see The Hub at Buckshaw

The best way to choose a nursery is to visit in person and see how it feels. We warmly invite families from across Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Leyland, Euxton, Preston and Whittle-le-Woods to look around our Ofsted Outstanding setting, meet our team and picture your child settling in. To arrange a visit, call us on 01772 456108 or get in touch online.