Questions to ask on a childcare tour

A beautiful room is only one part of childcare. Ask what a normal morning looks like, how meals and sleep are handled, how outdoor play fits into the day, and how educators respond when a child is unsettled.

For babies and toddlers, ask how routines are adapted. For preschoolers, ask how independence, friendships and school readiness are supported without turning the day into a classroom.

Find out whether families receive daily updates, incident updates, developmental notes and direct opportunities to speak with educators. Ask what happens when a parent has a concern.

Good communication is not just frequent messages. It is clear, timely, calm and honest enough that families know what is happening before small issues become big ones.

Families do not need private employment details, but they can ask how long the room team has worked together, how relief educators are introduced, and how new staff are supported.

Stable, well-supported educators often create calmer rooms. Staff culture is one reason FirstNest treats staff reviews as a separate signal.

Ask how places are allocated, how often the waitlist is reviewed, whether sibling priority applies, and whether the centre can give realistic timing.

If the answer is vague, ask what you can expect next: a follow-up date, a likely intake period, or a clear explanation that availability is uncertain.