How to Choose a Nursery in Wimbledon: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Enrol
Start by checking the nursery’s latest Ofsted rating, then ask practical questions about care, staffing, meals, outdoor play, and support for your child’s individual needs. A visit is just as important. It gives you a chance to see how the nursery feels in practice and decide whether it’s the right fit for your child.
With several nurseries to choose from in Wimbledon, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re wondering how to choose a nursery, this guide breaks down what to look for and the questions worth asking before you enrol your child.
What to Look for in a Nursery’s Ofsted Rating
Ofsted reports can give you a useful picture of a nursery’s quality, safeguarding, and leadership, and the rating tells you how well it meets safeguarding, teaching, and leadership standards. Both Wimbledon Day Nursery sites currently hold Ofsted’s highest possible rating, Outstanding.
Check the Rating and the Inspection Date
Question 1: What is the nursery’s current Ofsted rating? Both Wimbledon Day Nursery (32 Montague Road) and Wimbledon Day Nursery II (33 Montague Road) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. You can read the full inspection reports on our Ofsted report page.
Ask to See the Full Report, Not Just the Grade
Question 2: What does the report say beyond the headline grade? A strong report describes how staff support children’s learning, safeguarding, and individual needs, not just a single word.
Questions to Ask About Daily Care and Safety
Daily care questions reveal how a nursery actually runs day to day, not just what it promises. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, every child has a named key worker, and both sites use intercom entry, CCTV, and a strict visitor policy.
- Question 3: Will my child have a consistent key worker?
- Question 4: What staff-to-child ratio operates in my child’s room? Ask about the ratio your child will experience day to day, as EYFS minimum ratios vary according to children’s ages and the qualifications of the staff team.
- Question 5: How is the building secured, and how are staff vetted?
Questions to Ask About Food, Outdoor Space and Activities
Meals and outdoor play are a big part of a child’s day, so it’s worth finding out what the nursery actually provides. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, each site has an in-house chef who prepares fresh meals daily using an 11-day rotating menu. Children also have access to secure garden space and a sensory room.
- Question 6: Are meals prepared on site, and can the nursery accommodate dietary requirements?
- Question 7: Is there daily outdoor access? The NHS recommends at least 180 minutes of physical activity a day for under-fives.
- Question 8: What languages and extra activities are available, such as French, football, or music?
Questions to Ask About Fit for Your Child
The right nursery can look different from one family to another, so the final questions should focus on what matters most for your child. Find out how the nursery supports children with additional needs and what the settling-in process looks like, so you know what to expect from the start.
- Question 9: What experience does the team have with SEND?
- Question 10: Can I visit before I decide, and how does settling-in work?
Find the Right Start for Your Child at Wimbledon Day Nursery
The best way to see whether a nursery is right for your child is to visit in person. Meet the team, explore the rooms and gardens, and see how children learn, play and settle into their day. Contact us today to book a tour. We’d love to welcome you and help your child take their first steps towards a happy, confident start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask when choosing a nursery?
Ask about the Ofsted rating, the key worker system, staff ratios, meals, outdoor space, and how the setting supports additional needs, then visit in person to see it for yourself.
Are Wimbledon Day Nursery’s meals cooked on site?
Yes, each site has an in-house chef who prepares fresh meals daily on an 11-day rotating seasonal menu, included in the fees.
Does Wimbledon Day Nursery support children with additional needs?
Yes, the team works alongside Merton’s Inclusion Team and has experience supporting a range of needs, including speech delay, autism, and physical disabilities.
How do I book a visit to Wimbledon Day Nursery?
Call +44(0)20 8542 4175 or email info@wimbledondaynursery.co.uk to arrange a tour of either site.