A nursery visit is an opportunity to assess the environment, staff, and daily routines before making a decision. Areas worth observing include how staff interact with children, the quality of outdoor space, how mealtimes and transitions are managed, and the overall atmosphere.
It helps to know the legal staff-to-child ratios: in England, the minimums are 1:3 for under-2s, 1:4 for age 2, and 1:8 for ages 3-4 (or 1:13 with a qualified teacher). Nurseries in England are inspected by Ofsted; in Scotland, the Care Inspectorate carries out inspections. Ratings are a useful reference point but shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. Our guide on how to choose a nursery covers what to prioritise.
This tool provides guidance estimates only. Eligibility, funding, and costs can vary by location and individual circumstances.
Cost assumptions reference Coram Family and Childcare Survey 2025 data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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