Why Choosing the Right Nursery Matters: A Chat About Early Years, Funding, and What Really Makes a Difference

Picking a nursery for your little one can feel like a huge decision, can’t it? It’s not just about finding somewhere for them to be during the day—it’s about finding a place where they’ll be loved, supported, and inspired to grow. But what’s all this about early years funding? Why are nurseries so important? And what happens when they’re there?

Let’s have a friendly chat about all of this—because it’s about giving your child the best start in life, and that means feeling informed and excited about what nursery can offer.

Why Nursery is a Big Deal

We know—home is where your child’s story begins. It’s their safe haven, the place where they learn their first words, take their first steps, and feel all the love in the world. And nothing will ever replace that.

Nursery isn’t about replacing home—it’s about complementing it. It’s a place where your child gets to explore new experiences, build confidence, and learn to share their little world with others.

And the benefits are incredible! Studies show that children who attend a high-quality nursery develop stronger social skills, do better in school, and feel more confident stepping into new environments. They get to practice being part of a group, develop emotional resilience, and (maybe most importantly) make their first best friends.

A peek into the nursery day

What actually happens at nursery? A lot more than you might think! Every day is packed with fun and learning, designed to support your child’s development in all kinds of wonderful ways.

• Play-Based Learning: Play is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s building towers with blocks, pretending to be shopkeepers, or exploring a treasure basket full of shiny objects, every activity is helping your child grow.

• Outdoor Adventures: We’re big believers in the magic of the outdoors. From weekly Forest School sessions (think climbing, bug hunting, and den-building) to gardening projects, the great outdoors helps children build resilience, curiosity, and confidence.

• Creative Fun: Painting with brushes (and sometimes fingers), crafting with natural materials, dancing to music—it’s all about encouraging imagination and self-expression.

• Cooking and Science: Who doesn’t love a little hands-on learning? Whether it’s baking banana bread, making carrot soup, or creating fizzy volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda, these activities are packed with life skills, math, and science lessons.

• Community Connections: One of our favorite parts of nursery life is connecting with the wider community. We visit care homes to sing songs and share stories with residents (the smiles are priceless), and we support food bank drives, teaching children about kindness and helping others.

What Do Children Really Do at Nursery, and How Does It Help Their Development?

Nursery days are packed with activities that are designed to be fun, engaging, and purposeful. Every single thing your child does—whether it’s digging in the garden or singing a nursery rhyme—helps them grow in some way.

Here’s a closer look at some of the real activities we’ve shared in our newsletters and how they support children’s development:

1. Cooking and Baking

What they do: Making banana bread, carrot soup, or even tasting new fruits during cooking sessions.

Why it matters:

• Math Skills: Measuring ingredients introduces basic math concepts like counting and volume.

• Life Skills: Cooking teaches patience, following instructions, and the importance of healthy eating.

• Language Development: Talking about ingredients and steps expands vocabulary.

2. Forest School Adventures

What they do: Building dens, hammering ferns, exploring nature, and climbing trees during Forest School sessions.

Why it matters:

• Physical Development: Outdoor play strengthens gross motor skills like climbing, running, and balancing.

• Resilience and Problem-Solving: Activities like den-building challenge children to think creatively and persevere.

• Emotional Well-Being: Being in nature reduces stress and fosters a sense of calm and wonder.

3. Creative Arts and Crafts

What they do: Painting with ferns, creating “magic fizz” paintings with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, or crafting with loose parts.

Why it matters:

• Fine Motor Skills: Handling brushes, scissors, or small objects improves dexterity and coordination.

• Imagination and Expression: Arts and crafts allow children to express feelings and ideas in creative ways.

• Scientific Thinking: Activities like fizz painting introduce basic chemistry concepts in a playful way.

4. Messy and Sensory Play

What they do: Digging in sensory trays filled with sand, water, or foam, or exploring textures with natural materials like leaves and mud.

Why it matters:

• Cognitive Development: Sensory play helps children understand cause and effect (e.g., “What happens when I squeeze this?”).

• Language Skills: Talking about what they feel, see, or smell builds descriptive language.

• Emotional Regulation: Messy play can be calming and help children process emotions.

5. Role Play and Imaginative Games

What they do: Pretending to be shopkeepers, doctors, or explorers, often using props like cardboard boxes, costumes, or everyday objects.

Why it matters:

• Social Skills: Role play encourages cooperation, turn-taking, and empathy as children act out different roles.

• Problem-Solving: Imaginative scenarios challenge children to think creatively and adapt.

• Language and Communication: Acting out roles and speaking in character helps expand vocabulary and confidence.

6. Exploring Schemas

What they do: Filling and emptying containers, connecting loose parts, and experimenting with balance and movement.

Why it matters:

• Cognitive Development: These repetitive play patterns (schemas) are how children make sense of the world.

• Problem-Solving: Activities like stacking or connecting pieces encourage logical thinking and planning.

• Independence: Open-ended play gives children the freedom to explore and make decisions.

7. Singing and Rhymes

What they do: Choosing song and rhyme cards, singing classics like “5 Little Ducks,” or learning new rhymes together.

Why it matters:

• Language Development: Repeating rhymes helps children develop rhythm, phonics, and new vocabulary.

• Memory Skills: Remembering lyrics and actions strengthens cognitive recall.

• Confidence: Group singing builds self-esteem and encourages participation.

8. Community Connections

What they do: Visiting care homes to share songs and crafts, or helping with food bank drives.

Why it matters:

• Empathy: Interacting with people of different ages teaches kindness and understanding.

• Cultural Awareness: Activities like these help children feel connected to their community.

• Social Confidence: Engaging with new people in safe, supported settings builds self-assurance.

9. Exploring the World Around Them

What they do: Going on local leaf hunts, watching ducks at the pond, or learning about Arctic animals and building habitats for them.

Why it matters:

• Curiosity: These activities encourage children to ask questions and explore new topics.

• Knowledge of the World: Learning about animals, seasons, or habitats broadens their understanding of the environment.

• Collaboration: Group projects like building habitats foster teamwork and shared goals.

Why It’s All So Important

At nursery, every activity is designed to help children grow into confident, curious, and capable individuals. The things they do—whether it’s baking a cake, building a tower, or exploring a sensory tray—are building the skills they’ll need for school and life.

And while it might look like they’re “just playing,” they’re really developing essential abilities like resilience, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving. These are the foundations of learning and living.

So, when you hear about all the fun things your child is doing at nursery, know that each moment is packed with learning, growth, and joy. It’s all part of giving them the best start possible—and we’re so proud to be part of that journey! 🌟

The Practical Elements

Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Nursery

What Are Your Family’s Priorities?

Before diving into visits, think about what’s most important to you:

• Type of Care: Do you prefer a large nursery or a smaller, home-like setting?

• Learning Approach: Are you drawn to specific teaching philosophies like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or Forest School?

• Practical Needs: Consider location, hours, cost, and flexibility for things like stretched funding or extra sessions.

Clarifying your priorities will help narrow your search.

Questions to Ask During a Visit

When visiting a nursery, come prepared with questions to get a sense of their values, policies, and approach. Here are some examples:

• About the Children:

• How do you help children settle in?

• How do you adapt activities to suit different developmental stages?

• How do you handle emotional needs, such as separation anxiety?

• About the Nursery:

• What’s the daily routine like?

• How do you incorporate outdoor play and exploration?

• Can you show me examples of how you track children’s learning and progress?

• About the Staff:

• What qualifications and training do staff have?

• What is your staff-to-child ratio?

• How long have most of your staff been with you?

• About Practicalities:

• What are your policies on meals, naps, and toileting?

• How do you communicate with parents about their child’s day?

• Are there additional fees, and what do they cover?

Observe During Your Visit

Pay attention to the little details as you explore. These can give you valuable insights into the quality of care:

• How Staff Interact with Children: Are they warm, patient, and attentive? Do they kneel to the child’s level and engage in play?

• The Atmosphere: Does it feel welcoming and calm? Are the children happy and engaged?

• Safety and Cleanliness: Are spaces tidy, secure, and free from hazards?

• Resources and Activities: Are there plenty of high-quality, open-ended materials? Do activities look creative and varied?

Understanding Their Learning Approach

Every nursery has its own style and philosophy when it comes to early learning. Ask about their approach to ensure it aligns with your family’s values.

• Learning Through Play: This is the foundation of many nurseries, where children explore and learn naturally through hands-on experiences.

• Structured vs. Free Play: Some nurseries balance structured activities with child-led exploration, while others might lean more heavily on one approach.

• Specialist Activities: Ask about extras like Forest School, yoga, cooking, or music sessions that enrich the learning experience.

5. Communication with Parents

A strong partnership between parents and nursery staff is crucial. Look for a nursery that values open communication and keeps you informed about your child’s progress and well-being.

• Daily Updates: Do they share details about meals, naps, activities, and milestones?

• Parent-Teacher Partnerships: Are there regular opportunities for feedback or discussions about your child’s development?

Evaluating Practicalities

Make sure the nursery fits seamlessly into your family’s daily routine.

• Hours: Do their opening and closing times suit your schedule?

• Holidays: Are they open year-round or term-time only?

• Flexibility: Can they accommodate last-minute changes, such as extra sessions?

• Costs: Be clear on what’s included in fees, what additional charges might apply, and how Early Years funding is implemented.

Understanding Their Policies

Policies can tell you a lot about how a nursery operates. Ask about their approach to:

• Behavior Management: How do they encourage positive behavior and manage challenges?

• Inclusion: How do they support children with additional needs or cultural differences?

• Settling-In Period: What’s their process for helping children (and parents!) adjust?

Community Involvement

Nurseries that engage with their local community often provide richer experiences for children. Look for settings that:

• Organize visits to care homes or local businesses.

• Support local charities or food banks.

• Encourage outdoor learning in nearby parks or nature areas.

These activities help children feel connected to the world around them and teach values like kindness and empathy.

Trust Your Gut

Your instincts are a powerful tool when choosing a nursery. If something doesn’t feel right, keep looking. Likewise, if a nursery feels warm, wecoming, and supportive, it’s a strong sign you’ve found the right fit.

What About Early Years Funding?

Early Years funding is the government’s way of making childcare more accessible, which is brilliant news for families. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• From 9 months: Working parents of children as young as 9 months will be able to access funding.

• For 2-year-olds: Some families are eligible for funded hours based on income or other criteria.

• For 3 and 4-year-olds:

• All families get 15 hours a week (during term time) starting the term after their child’s 3rd birthday.

• Working parents might qualify for 30 hours a week.

If your nursery is open all year, you can stretch those funded hours to cover the whole year. For example, 15 hours a week in term time becomes about 11 hours a week year-round—perfect for consistent care.

Funded Doesn’t Mean Free

Here’s the thing: while funding is a huge help, it doesn’t cover everything. Nurseries often charge additional fees to cover things like meals, snacks, extra hours, or special activities.

This is because the government funding nurseries receive often falls short of the actual cost of providing care. In fact:

• The average hourly rate the government provides to settings is significantly lower than what it actually costs to provide high-quality care, learning, and enrichment for children.

• For example, a nursery might receive £5 per hour per child from funding, but the true cost of delivering care—when you include qualified staff, resources, meals, and activities—is closer to £7-£9 per hour per child.

Early Years funding was introduced to make childcare more affordable for families, and it’s been a lifeline for many. But the reality for nurseries is that the amount they receive per funded child is often much less than the true cost of providing high-quality care and learning. This funding gap creates a difficult financial situation for nurseries. Many try to bridge the gap by charging additional fees for meals, activities, or extra hours, but not all families can afford these costs. As a result, nurseries are left struggling to stay afloat, and sadly, many have been forced to close

Some nurseries do offer fully funded places with no additional charges, which is a fantastic option for some families. But keep in mind, fully funded spaces can often focus on the basics, with fewer resources or extra activities.

What Can Parents Do?

While the funding system is challenging, there are ways families can help support the nurseries that remain:

1. Ask Questions About Funding: If your nursery charges additional fees, ask them to explain how the funding works and what those fees support. Understanding the challenges they face can help build trust and appreciation.

2. Advocate for Early Years Settings: Talk to local leaders, join campaigns, and raise awareness about the importance of adequate funding for nurseries. The more voices advocating for change, the better.

3. Support Your Nursery: If you can, support the activities and events your nursery organizes, like fundraisers or community drives. These efforts often help offset the funding shortfall.

4. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with news about Early Years funding, as changes may impact your nursery and family.

Why Additional Costs Matter

The extras nurseries ask for aren’t just about keeping the lights on—they’re about giving your child experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and create joy.

Every penny goes toward things like:

• Nutritious, homemade meals and snacks that fuel your child’s busy day.

• Enriching activities like Forest School, dance, and community visits.

• High-quality resources that make every play session a learning opportunity.

These things aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re part of what makes nursery a place where children can truly thrive.

Why Nursery Matters

Nursery is where children’s potential begins to unfold. It’s where they learn to navigate friendships, tackle challenges, and discover the joy of learning.

But even more than that, nursery is where they start to see themselves as part of something bigger. Whether it’s visiting a care home to sing with elderly residents or collecting food for a local food bank, these moments teach compassion, kindness, and community.

Let’s Chat About Your Child’s Next Adventure

Red Flags to Watch for When Visiting a Nursery

Choosing a nursery is a big step for your family, and visiting in person is the best way to get a feel for the environment and the people who will care for your child. While there are plenty of amazing nurseries out there, it’s important to know what to look for—and what to avoid.

Here are some red flags to keep an eye out for when visiting a nursery:

Unfriendly or Disengaged Staff

• What to watch for: Staff who seem distracted, uninterested, or disengaged from the children. If you notice staff sitting off to the side, talking among themselves, or not interacting with the children, it’s a sign that something might not be right.

• Why it matters: Warm, attentive, and engaged staff are crucial for creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported.

Children Seem Unhappy or Disengaged

• What to watch for: Children sitting aimlessly, crying without being comforted, or looking bored. If the children seem unhappy or unengaged, it might indicate that the nursery isn’t meeting their needs.

• Why it matters: Happy, busy children are a sign of a well-run nursery where activities are stimulating and staff are attentive.

Poor Communication

• What to watch for: Staff or managers who are vague when answering your questions, unwilling to share policies, or avoid discussing daily routines or fees.

• Why it matters: Transparency is key. A good nursery will be open about everything, from their approach to care and learning to how they handle accidents or concerns.

A Lack of Structure or Routine

• What to watch for: Chaos or disorganization, with no clear structure to the day. While nurseries should be flexible to meet children’s needs, a complete lack of routine can lead to confusion and a lack of focus.

• Why it matters: A good nursery balances free play with structured activities and predictable routines to help children feel secure.

Inadequate Outdoor Space

• What to watch for: Little to no access to outdoor play or an unkempt outdoor area. If the outdoor space looks unsafe or isn’t being used regularly, it’s a red flag.

• Why it matters: Outdoor play is vital for children’s physical and mental health, and a nursery should prioritise access to safe, stimulating outdoor environments.

Staff Seem Stressed or Overwhelmed

• What to watch for: Staff who seem rushed, frustrated, or overwhelmed by their workload.

• Why it matters: Happy, well-supported staff are essential for creating a positive environment. If the team looks burnt out, it could indicate poor management or understaffing.

Poor Safety Measures

• What to watch for: Unlocked doors, sharp objects within children’s reach, or a lack of supervision. Also, check if staff are trained in first aid and if there are clear policies for emergencies.

• Why it matters: A safe environment is non-negotiable. Nurseries should have strict safety protocols to protect the children in their care.

If you’re feeling unsure or have questions about funding, additional costs, or what nursery life is really like, let’s talk! At Sunshine, we’d love to welcome you and your child into our community—a place where children learn, grow, and feel part of something truly special.

Because nursery isn’t just about preparing for school—it’s about preparing for life. 🌟