How to choose a nursery in Cardiff or Newport: what to look for on a visit

Watch the children before you look at the equipment. Are they absorbed in something? Do staff sit at their level and talk with them, not over them? Is the noise busy rather than chaotic? Ask how long the team have been there — low staff turnover tells you more about a nursery than any display board.

Good questions: what does a typical day look like, how do you settle a child who is upset, what happens at mealtimes, how do you handle allergies, how will I hear about my child's day, and what are your notice periods and fee rules?

Every registered setting in Wales is inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales, and reports are public at careinspectorate.wales. Read the wellbeing and care sections closely — they describe what daily life is actually like. Ask to see the policies too; ours are published in full on our policies page.

Finally, visit more than one setting and go at a busy time, not the quiet middle of the afternoon. You can book a look around either of our nurseries online and bring your child with you.