Is Your Nursery Helping or Hurting? The 5 Questions Every Parent Should Ask
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development data shows the gap between care and education is wider than you think.
We all want our little ones to feel safe, happy and looked after. But there’s one question more parents are starting to ask...
Is my child’s nursery actually helping them learn?
It’s not enough to have cuddles and snack time. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the early years are now the biggest predictor of future academic success, emotional wellbeing and even earning potential.
And the difference between a nursery that cares and one that educates? It could shape your child’s future.
Let’s look at what you really need to know, and the five questions every parent should be asking.
What the OECD found...
In their landmark Starting Strong report, the OECD revealed something worrying. They explain that in many nurseries, the focus remains heavily on care, with minimal attention to learning outcomes, despite the fact that 90% of brain growth happens before age 5.
That means millions of toddlers are being looked after well, but not truly developed.
It’s not about early academics. It’s about creating environments where play is purposeful, where children learn how to think, not what to think.
The 5 Questions Every Parent Should Be Asking
1. What kind of play does the nursery offer every day?
The best nurseries don’t just offer toys, they offer play that builds brains. Ask if the children have access to:
- Open-ended building materials
- Sensory exploration
- Role-play zones
- Music and movement
Look for toys that require thinking, not just tapping. Try this at home with:
2. How are the staff supporting language development?
The NHS and UNICEF both stress that rich, back-and-forth conversation is one of the best predictors of early learning. Ask:
- Do staff narrate play, sing songs, read aloud and engage in real conversations?
- Are children encouraged to tell stories and explain their thinking?
At home, boost this with toys that invite dialogue:
3. Is there a clear rhythm and purpose to the day?
Children thrive on routine with flexibility. Ask how your nursery balances structure with spontaneity.
Daily routines should include:
- Independent free play
- Guided group activities
- Outdoor exploration
- Quiet moments for reflection or storytime
Consistency builds confidence, and confidence builds curiosity.
4. Are toys and resources chosen with intention?
OECD guidance warns against “overstimulating, adult-driven toys” that take away from exploration. The best nurseries choose resources that:
- Are open-ended
- Are age-appropriate
- Support imagination, problem-solving and cooperation
Do they use materials like:
These resources support deep play, not just entertainment.
5. Do the staff truly understand early childhood development?
A warm smile is lovely, but understanding how toddlers learn is essential.
Ask about their training in:
- Early language and communication
- Behaviour as communication
- Learning through play principles
- Developmental milestones
You are trusting them with the most influential years of your child’s life. You deserve to know how they’re preparing your little one for what comes next.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a nursery isn’t just about location, snacks and smiles. It’s about asking bold questions and demanding more, not in pressure, but in purpose.
Your child’s brain is blooming. It deserves an environment that supports curiosity, independence and joyful growth.
Want to support that learning at home too? Explore our age specific collections:
The early years are everything. Let’s make sure they count.