Choosing an early years setting
How do I choose a setting?
When choosing an early years setting, it helps to gather as much information as you can before making a decision.
You can do this by:
- looking at the setting or school’s website, especially their SEND information
- contacting them to ask if they have any spaces
- asking for a tour - it’s best to visit when children are there so you can see what it's is really like
- taking your child with you to see how they respond to the setting
- finding the latest Ofsted inspection report to check how it was rated
Before your visits
After you make a list of the settings you want to visit and book your appointments, you may want to think about whether to bring your child on the first visit. If you’re not sure, you can talk to the setting or a professional for guidance. When you visit:
- if you take your child, watch how they respond to the environment and the people there
- take someone with you (a friend or family member) to help you reflect on the visit and support with your child, so you can take everything in
- take any reports or information about your child’s additional needs
- ask to speak to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to learn about the support they can offer your child
Things to remember when you visit
- Make a note of the key person
When you visit, ask who your child’s key person would be.
Write down their name and contact details so you know who to speak to if you have questions later.
- Find out how the transition will work
Ask how the setting will support your child when they first start. For example, settling-in sessions, opportunities for you to stay for a short time, or any personalised support they can offer.
- Bring something helpful: the ‘All About Me’ form
It can be really useful to take the All About Me form with you. Completing this before your visit helps you think about what’s important for your child: their likes, dislikes, routines, and any worries.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget things when you’re in the moment, so having this written down means you can share clear information and feel more confident during the visit.
- What should I ask during my visit?
Here are some helpful questions, but you can ask anything that matters to you and your family:
- How many children will be in my child’s ‘family’ group?
- How will staff learn about and understand my child’s needs?
- What extra help can you offer if my child needs more support?
- How will I be involved in planning for my child and keeping track of their progress?
- How will you help my child settle in and start making friends?
- How will you help other children understand and include my child?
- How will you keep me up to date with how my child is getting on?
- How do you support children’s personal, social, and emotional development?
- How will you make sure my child can take part in all activities?
- When would my child be able to start?
Try to keep an open mind until you’ve seen all the settings you are interested in.
After your visits
You may think of new questions and want to contact the settings again.
You may want to talk to any professionals who support your child.
If you haven’t taken your child yet, you might want to bring them on a later visit.
When you’ve made your decision
Once you choose a setting, you'll need to agree on a start date with them. You can then begin preparing your child for the move from home into their first setting.