Nursery red flags to look out for

Most nurseries in England are safe, caring places. But parents whose nursery did not work out often say there were signs they noticed and brushed aside. These are the common ones, and what to do about each.

On the visit

You cannot see the rooms in use. Visits only at weekends or open days, or reluctance to let you into the baby room, make it hard to judge day-to-day care. Many nurseries ask you to book a time, which is reasonable, but you should see children and staff as they normally are.

Children look unoccupied or upset for long periods. Every nursery has crying children, but watch how quickly staff respond and whether children are comforted. Lots of children wandering with nothing to do is worth noting.

Staff talk over children rather than to them. Good practitioners get down to children’s level, use their names and talk with them. Staff chatting to each other while children wait is a poor sign.

The setting is dirty, cramped or unsafe. Look at nappy-changing areas, kitchens, gates and doors, and the outdoor space.

The manager is vague. Straightforward questions about ratios, staff turnover, fees or Ofsted findings deserve straightforward answers. Repeated “don’t worry about that” is not one.

In the paperwork

No clear price list. You should be able to get, in writing, the day or session rate for your child’s age, what is included, and what is charged on funded hours. See extras and consumables charges.

Compulsory charges on funded hours. Nurseries can charge for optional extras, but should not make paying a condition of a funded place. If extras are presented as compulsory with no alternative, ask why; if it is not resolved, you can speak to your council.

Large non-refundable deposits with unclear terms. Read the contract. See our guide to deposits and registration fees.

Pressure to sign quickly. A good nursery may have a waiting list, but should give you time to read the contract.

Long notice periods with no flexibility. A month is common; much longer deserves a question.

In the Ofsted report

Safeguarding not met on a report card, or an Inadequate grade under the old framework. Read the detail and ask what has changed since. See Ofsted report cards explained.

Urgent improvement or Needs attention grades on areas that affect children’s daily care, such as welfare and well-being.

Repeated concerns across inspections, or a very old report with no recent inspection, especially if the manager or owner has changed.

On Toddly each nursery page shows its full inspection history in Ofsted’s words, with a link to every report.

After your child starts

• Your child is regularly distressed long after the first few weeks, and the nursery does not seem concerned.
• You get little information about your child’s day, or accident reports you do not understand.
• Your child’s key person keeps changing.
• Staff you raise concerns with become defensive rather than helpful.

What to do

Raise it with the manager first, calmly and in writing if you can. Most problems are best solved directly. If you are not satisfied, every nursery must have a complaints procedure. If you believe a child is at risk of harm, or the nursery does not respond to a serious concern, you can contact Ofsted, and your council’s children’s services. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Taking our visit checklist on every visit makes these signs easier to spot, because you ask the same questions everywhere.