What to Expect when attending a Nursery Open Day

Choosing a nursery is an important decision for your family, and attending an open day is a valuable step in the process. Whether you are looking for your child’s first nursery or perhaps relocating, visiting in person allows you to experience the environment and ask questions to help you make an informed choice. 

Here’s what you can typically expect when attending a nursery open day. 

See the Nursery in Action 

A nursery open day gives you the chance to explore the facilities — from classrooms and outdoor play spaces to quiet areas for rest. Seeing the environment first-hand helps you assess whether it feels welcoming, safe, and stimulating for your child. It's a good opportunity to notice the small details, such as how resources are organised and how clean and well-maintained the setting is. 

Meet the Team and Learn About Their Approach 

Meeting the team in person allows you to get a feel for the staff’s experience, passion, and approach to early years education. While attending a nursery open day, you can observe their interactions with the children, get a sense of their warmth and expertise, and ask them specific questions about the nursery. ? 

Take time to ask about staff qualifications, child-to-adult ratios, and how they support children’s individual needs. 

Find Out About the Daily Routine 

An open day often provides insights into what a typical day looks like — including how activities are planned, how meals and naps are managed, and how learning is woven into play. Understanding the daily rhythm can help you decide if the nursery's style suits your child’s personality and developmental stage. 

Explore Outdoor and Active Play Opportunities 

Here at Busy Bees, we see great value in outdoor learning and recognise its impact on children’s development. Take time to see outdoor facilities and ask how outdoor play is incorporated into the day, even in poor weather. If the setting has limited outdoor space, ask how they make sure children still have opportunities for fresh air and physical activity. 

Help Your Child Get Familiar with the Setting 

Bringing your child along can make the transition to nursery smoother. Being able to explore the space, meet the team, and join in with activities can ease any first-day nerves for both you and your child. At Busy Bees, we also offer settling-in sessions after enrolment to support children in building confidence before starting fully. 

Questions You Might Want to Ask 

To make the most of your visit, prepare some questions. You might want to ask about: 

• Opening hours, holiday closures, and fees 
• Staff qualifications and child-to-staff ratios 
• Support for additional needs and SEND provisions 
• Daily routines for different age groups 
• Menus and catering for allergies 
• Settling-in processes and transition support 
• How feedback about your child's day will be shared 
• Policies for outdoor learning, trips, and community involvement 
• Ofsted ratings and recent inspection reports 

Attending a Busy Bees Open Day  

Whist you can book a nursery visit at a Busy Bees Nursery throughout the year, we often hold full nursery open days where you will have a longer slot to explore the setting and meet the team. Visit the Open Day webpage to book the next open day!