Nursery Open Days: What to Expect and How to Prepare (2026)

A nursery’s website can only tell you so much. Open days let you see the place in action — children playing, staff interacting, the general feel of the building. It’s the best way to spot the difference between a nursery that looks good on paper and one that’s actually good.

What is a nursery open day?

A nursery open day is a scheduled event where prospective parents can tour the facilities, meet the staff, and learn about the nursery’s approach to early years education. Unlike private viewings, open days allow you to see the setting during normal operating hours, when children are present and staff are engaged in typical daily activities.

Most open days include a brief presentation from the nursery manager or owner, covering key information about curriculum, fees, session options, and the registration process. You’ll then have the opportunity to tour the rooms, observe staff interactions with children, and ask questions about anything that matters to you.

Some nurseries run structured group tours with fixed start times, while others operate drop-in sessions where families can arrive anytime within a specified window. The format varies by setting, but the core purpose remains the same — giving you an authentic look at what your child’s experience would be like.

When do nurseries hold open days?

Nursery open days follow a fairly predictable calendar, aligned with the main intake periods throughout the year.

January and February see the highest concentration of open days. These events target parents planning for September starts, which is when most children begin nursery. If you’re considering a September placement, attending open days in early spring gives you plenty of time to compare settings, complete applications, and secure your preferred place.

September and October mark the second major open day season, aimed at parents looking for January or Easter term starts. These events can be less crowded than spring sessions, as fewer families are actively searching at this time of year.

Some nurseries — particularly those with high demand or waiting lists — also run additional open days in March, June, or November to accommodate families planning ahead or those who missed earlier events.

It’s worth noting that the timing can vary significantly by location. Urban settings with year-round waiting lists may hold open days every few months, while smaller rural nurseries might only run one or two formal events per year.

What to expect at a nursery open day

Walking into your first nursery open day can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to focus on. Here’s what typically happens during a visit.

Registration and welcome — You’ll likely start by signing in at reception, where you may receive an information pack containing fee schedules, term dates, and registration forms. Some nurseries also provide name badges or visitor lanyards for safeguarding purposes.

Introductory presentation — Many open days begin with a group presentation covering the nursery’s ethos, curriculum approach (usually Early Years Foundation Stage in England), staff qualifications, and key policies. This is also when you’ll hear about funding options, session flexibility, and what sets this particular setting apart from others.

Facility tour — The core of any open day is the tour itself. You’ll visit age-appropriate rooms (baby room, toddler room, pre-school room), outdoor play areas, sleep rooms, kitchen facilities, and possibly additional spaces like sensory rooms or soft play areas. Staff members will be on hand to explain the daily routine, activity planning, and how they support different developmental stages.

Observation time — Unlike a private viewing where rooms might be empty, open days usually take place during operational hours. You’ll see children engaged in activities, which gives you a genuine sense of the atmosphere, noise level, and how staff interact with the children. Pay attention to how settled the children seem and whether staff appear genuinely engaged.

Question and answer session — Most tours end with an opportunity to ask questions, either in a group setting or one-to-one with senior staff. This is your chance to clarify anything you’re uncertain about and explore specifics relevant to your child’s needs.

What to bring to a nursery open day

Preparation is key to making the most of your visit. Here’s what to pack:

Notepad and pen — You’ll want to take notes on room layouts, staff ratios, first impressions, and any standout features or concerns. If you’re visiting multiple nurseries, detailed notes help you compare accurately later.

Prepared questions — Write down your questions in advance so you don’t forget anything important in the moment. Cover topics like settling-in procedures, communication with parents, staff turnover, emergency protocols, and how the nursery handles specific dietary or medical needs.

Ofsted or Care Inspectorate report — If you’ve reviewed the nursery’s latest inspection report (available on the Ofsted website for English settings or Care Inspectorate for Scotland), bring a copy with any questions highlighted. This shows you’ve done your research and allows you to ask about any areas marked for improvement.

Your child (optional) — Some parents prefer to bring their child to gauge their reaction to the environment, while others find it easier to focus without distractions. There’s no right answer — choose what works for your family.

Nursery visit checklist — Consider using a structured checklist to ensure you evaluate each setting consistently. Our nursery search tool allows you to save and compare multiple nurseries based on specific criteria.

Questions to ask at a nursery open day

The questions you ask should reflect your family’s specific needs and priorities, but some topics are universally important.

About staff and ratios:

• What are your staff-to-child ratios across different age groups?
• What qualifications do your staff hold, and how often do they receive training?
• How long has your current team been with the nursery?
• Do children have a designated key person, and how does that relationship work?

About daily routine:

• What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?
• How much time do children spend outdoors each day?
• How do you balance structured activities with free play?
• What happens if my child needs to nap at an unusual time?

About settling in:

• What is your settling-in process, and how long does it typically take?
• Can I stay with my child during the first few sessions?
• How do you support children who find separation difficult?
• How will you communicate with me about my child’s progress during settling in?

About communication:

• How often will I receive updates about my child’s day?
• Do you use a parent app or daily diary system?
• How do you handle concerns raised by parents?
• What are your arrangements for parent consultations or meetings?

About practical matters:

• What are your exact fees, and are there any additional charges (meals, nappies, trips)?
• Do you accept government funding, and how does that work with paid hours?
• What is your sickness policy — when should I keep my child at home?
• How much notice do you need if I want to change session days?

About the curriculum:

• How do you plan activities to support child development?
• How do you track and share progress with parents?
• What happens if my child has specific learning needs or delays?
• How do you prepare children for school transition?

For a comprehensive list of questions tailored to your priorities, see our guide on how to choose a nursery.

What to look for during your visit

Beyond the answers to your questions, pay attention to what you observe directly.

Staff interactions — Watch how practitioners engage with children. Do they get down to the child’s level when speaking? Do they seem genuinely interested in what children are doing, or are they merely supervising? Are they patient when children struggle with tasks or show frustration?

The environment — Look for clean, well-maintained spaces with age-appropriate resources within children’s reach. Rooms should feel inviting without being cluttered. Outdoor areas should offer varied play opportunities — not just climbing frames, but also space for imaginative play, messy activities, and quiet observation.

Children’s behaviour — How do the children seem? Are they engaged and absorbed in activities, or do they appear bored or distressed? Do they approach staff comfortably when they need help? A certain level of noise and activity is normal and healthy, but constant chaos or upset children may signal deeper issues.

Safety and hygiene — Check that outdoor areas are secure with appropriate fencing and locked gates. Look for visible risk assessments, clean nappy-changing facilities, and proper food hygiene practices if meals are prepared on-site. All staff should wear identification badges.

Resources and learning materials — Quality settings invest in varied, stimulating resources that support all areas of development. Look for books, art materials, construction toys, role-play equipment, musical instruments, and natural materials. Resources should be accessible to children, not locked away in cupboards.

Communication displays — Notice boards should show current planning, policies, staff qualifications, registration certificates, and insurance documents. Photos of recent activities demonstrate how planning translates into practice.

Your gut feeling — Trust your instincts. If something feels off — even if you can’t articulate exactly what — that’s worth noting. Similarly, if you immediately feel comfortable and confident, that matters too.

After the open day: next steps

Once you’ve completed your visit, take some time to reflect before making any commitments.

Review your notes — Ideally within 24 hours, while impressions are fresh, review what you observed and how it aligns with your priorities. If you’re visiting multiple nurseries, create a simple comparison chart covering key factors like location, fees, opening hours, atmosphere, and overall impression.

Check the Ofsted rating — If you haven’t already, read the nursery’s latest Ofsted report to see how independent inspectors assessed the setting. Pay particular attention to any areas requiring improvement and whether those issues were addressed during your visit.

Discuss with your partner — If you share childcare decisions with a partner, talk through what you each noticed and felt. Sometimes one parent picks up on details the other missed.

Arrange a second visit if needed — If you’re seriously considering a nursery but have lingering questions or want to see a different part of the day (arrival, lunch, outdoor play), most settings will accommodate a follow-up visit.

Register your interest — If you’re keen, don’t delay. Popular nurseries can have waiting lists stretching months or even years ahead. Registering your interest — which often involves completing a form and sometimes paying a small deposit — secures your place in the queue. You can always withdraw later if you change your mind.

Ask for a trial session — Some nurseries offer paid trial sessions where your child spends a few hours at the setting before you commit to a full place. This can be particularly valuable if you’re choosing between two similar nurseries and want to see how your child responds to each environment.

What if you miss the nursery open day?

If work commitments, other children’s schedules, or simply not knowing about the event in time mean you miss a scheduled open day, don’t panic. Most nurseries are happy to arrange private viewings for prospective parents.

Contact the nursery directly — by phone or email — explaining that you missed the open day and would like to arrange an individual tour. Be prepared to offer some flexibility on timing, as nurseries need to schedule viewings around staff availability and the daily routine.

Private visits often provide some advantages over open days. You’ll have more one-to-one time with the manager or room leader, allowing for deeper conversation about your child’s specific needs. You may also find it easier to observe the environment without the distraction of other visiting families.

That said, open days do offer the benefit of seeing the setting with more children present and a fuller staff team, which can give a more authentic picture of the typical atmosphere. If possible, try to schedule your private viewing during a busy period (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) rather than very early or late when numbers are lower.

Making your decision

Choosing a nursery is rarely a purely rational decision. While practical factors like location, cost, and opening hours matter enormously, the emotional response you have to a setting — whether it feels right for your child — carries significant weight.

Use open days to gather the information you need, but also to tune into your instincts as a parent. The “best” nursery on paper may not be the right fit for your family if the approach doesn’t align with your values or if you don’t feel confident in the staff.

If you’re comparing multiple settings, our nursery search tool allows you to filter by location, Ofsted rating, and facilities, helping you create a shortlist of nurseries to visit. You can also use our childcare cost calculator to understand the financial commitment involved.

Once you’ve attended open days, reviewed your notes, and had time to reflect, trust yourself to make the decision that feels right. The perfect nursery exists at the intersection of practical suitability and emotional confidence — and it’s different for every family.

Planning ahead for a smooth start

After accepting a nursery place, focus shifts to preparing your child for their new adventure. The settling-in period varies by nursery and individual child, but most settings offer graduated sessions where you stay with your child initially, then gradually increase separation time.

Read our guide on settling into nursery for detailed advice on making this transition as smooth as possible for both you and your child.

Remember that even with careful research and preparation, some children take longer to settle than others. This doesn’t mean you’ve chosen the wrong nursery — it simply reflects individual temperament and adjustment speed. Good nurseries understand this and will work with you to support your child through the transition at a pace that suits them.

The effort you invest in attending open days, asking thorough questions, and really observing the environment pays dividends in confidence — both yours and your child’s — when the first day arrives.