Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour: A Parent's Complete Checklist
- Jul 3
- 6 min read
Choosing a preschool is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your child's early years. While websites and brochures can give you a good overview, nothing compares to visiting a preschool in person.
A preschool tour gives you the opportunity to see the learning environment, meet the staff, and imagine how your child will feel spending time there. It's also your chance to ask questions that will help you decide whether the setting is the right fit for your family.
In this guide, we'll cover the most important questions to ask during a preschool visit, explain why they matter, and highlight what you should look out for.
Why Is a Preschool Tour So Important?
Every preschool has its own atmosphere, teaching approach and daily routine. A visit allows you to experience these things first-hand.
During your tour, pay attention to how staff interact with children. Are they warm, patient and engaged? Do the children appear happy, confident and involved in activities?
The UK Government's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework places great importance on creating safe, nurturing environments where children learn through play and positive relationships.
Here are 15 questions you may wish to ask during your preschool tour.
1. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Understanding the daily routine can help you decide whether the preschool suits your child's personality and needs.
Ask questions such as:
What time does the day begin and end?
How is the day structured?
How much time is spent outdoors?
Are there quiet times for stories or rest?
How are meals and snacks organised?
A balanced routine should include opportunities for active play, creative activities, outdoor learning, group time and independent exploration.
2. How Do You Help Children Settle In?
Starting preschool is a big transition for both children and parents.
Ask:
Do you offer settling-in sessions?
Can parents stay during the first visits?
How do you support children who feel anxious?
How long does settling usually take?
Every child settles at their own pace, and a good preschool will work closely with families to make the transition as smooth as possible.
3. How Do You Support Learning Through Play?
Children learn best through play, exploration and hands-on experiences.
Ask staff:
How do you plan activities?
How do you encourage curiosity?
What kinds of learning experiences do children enjoy each day?
The Education Endowment Foundation highlights that high-quality early years education can have a positive impact on children's learning and future outcomes.
4. What Qualifications Do Your Staff Have?
Your child's early years are incredibly important, so it's natural to want reassurance about the people caring for them.
Questions to ask include:
Are staff qualified in Early Years education?
How much experience do they have?
Do staff receive ongoing training?
Is there always someone trained in paediatric first aid?
Qualified, experienced practitioners are well-equipped to support children's development while creating a safe and engaging environment.
5. What Is Your Staff-to-Child Ratio?
Staff ratios help ensure children receive the attention and support they need.
The UK Government sets minimum staffing requirements for early years providers, but many settings choose to exceed these standards.
You can ask:
What are your staff-to-child ratios?
Do ratios change for different age groups?
How do you ensure children receive individual attention?
6. How Do You Communicate With Parents?
A strong partnership between parents and preschool staff benefits every child.
Ask:
Will I receive regular updates?
Do you use an online learning journal?
How do you share my child's progress?
Can I speak to staff at drop-off or collection?
Open communication helps parents stay involved in their child's learning journey.
7. How Do You Support Children's Individual Needs?
Every child is unique.
Ask how the preschool supports children who:
are shy
need extra reassurance
speak more than one language
have additional needs
develop at different rates
An inclusive preschool will adapt activities and provide support tailored to each child.
8. How Do You Encourage Positive Behaviour?
Rather than focusing on punishment, quality early years settings encourage children to understand emotions, solve problems and develop positive relationships.
Ask:
How do you manage disagreements?
How do you encourage kindness and sharing?
How do you help children regulate emotions?
Positive behaviour policies should focus on teaching, guidance and consistency.
9. What Outdoor Learning Opportunities Are Available?
Outdoor play is an important part of children's development.
The NHS encourages children under five to be physically active every day to support healthy growth and development.
Reference:https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/
Ask:
How often do children play outside?
What outdoor equipment is available?
Do children go outside in all weather?
Are there nature-based learning activities?
10. What Safety Procedures Do You Have?
Your child's safety will naturally be one of your biggest priorities.
Ask about:
safeguarding procedures
visitor security
collection arrangements
emergency procedures
first aid
allergy management
medication policies
A good preschool will be happy to explain these processes clearly.
11. What Is Your Approach to School Readiness?
School readiness isn't about reading or writing before Reception.
Instead, it's about helping children develop:
confidence
independence
communication
curiosity
resilience
social skills
Ask how the preschool helps children prepare for their next stage of learning.
12. How Are Children's Interests Included?
Children are naturally motivated when learning reflects their interests.
Ask:
How do you discover what children enjoy?
Can activities change based on children's ideas?
How do you encourage creativity?
Child-led learning is an important part of high-quality early years education.
13. Can I See Examples of Children's Learning?
Many preschools document children's progress through observations, photographs and learning journals.
Ask if you can see examples of:
creative work
learning journeys
activity planning
developmental observations
This helps you understand how children's achievements are celebrated.
14. What Is Included in the Fees?
It's helpful to understand exactly what's included.
Ask about:
snacks
meals
nappies
trips
extracurricular activities
funded childcare
additional charges
Understanding costs upfront helps avoid surprises later.
15. What Do Current Parents Say?
One of the best indicators of a preschool's quality is the experience of other families.
You might ask:
Can I read parent testimonials?
Are there recent reviews?
How long have many families stayed with the preschool?
You can also check inspection reports through Ofsted.
Reference:https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/
What Should You Look for During Your Visit?
As well as asking questions, spend some time simply observing.
Ask yourself:
Do the children seem happy?
Are staff speaking kindly and respectfully?
Is the environment clean, welcoming and organised?
Are children actively engaged in activities?
Is there a calm and positive atmosphere?
Sometimes, your instincts tell you just as much as the answers to your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a preschool tour last?
Most visits last between 30 minutes and one hour, giving you plenty of time to explore the setting and ask questions.
Should I bring my child?
Yes. Bringing your child allows you to see how they respond to the environment and gives staff the opportunity to interact with them.
Can I visit more than once?
Absolutely. Many parents visit two or three times before making their final decision.
Should I compare several preschools?
Yes. Visiting different settings can help you understand what matters most to your family and make a confident, informed choice.
Choosing the Right Preschool Is About More Than Facilities
Bright classrooms and new toys are wonderful, but the most important part of any preschool is the people.
Warm, experienced practitioners who build trusting relationships with children create an environment where confidence, curiosity and learning naturally flourish.
When you leave your preschool tour, ask yourself one simple question:
Can I imagine my child feeling happy, safe and excited to come here each day?
If the answer is yes, you've likely found a place where they can thrive.\
Visit Ducklings Preschool
If you're looking for a welcoming, nurturing preschool in Milton Keynes, Rochdale, or Middleton, we'd love to show you around.
At Ducklings Preschool, we believe that choosing the right preschool starts with seeing it for yourself. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore our learning environment, meet our friendly and experienced team, learn about our play-based approach, and ask any questions you have about your child's early years journey.
Whether your child is ready to start soon or you're simply beginning your search, we're here to help you make an informed decision with confidence. Book a visit today and discover why so many local families trust Ducklings Preschool to give their children the very best start in life.
References
UK Government – Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage
UK Government – EYFS Framework and Staff Ratios: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
Education Endowment Foundation – Early Years Evidence: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/early-years
NHS – Physical Activity Guidelines for Children Under 5: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/
Ofsted – Find Inspection Reports: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/
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