Understanding Our Review Categories: Why They Matter

At daynurseries.co.uk, we know how important meaningful feedback is — both for nurseries seeking to continuously improve and for families looking for the nurseries.

To help ensure consistent and valuable insights, reviewers are asked to rate their Overall Experience and then rate up to 11 specific categories, each on a scale of 1 to 5. We encourage reviewers to complete as many categories as possible; at a minimum, at least 50% of categories must be completed for the review to be published.

These detailed ratings provide:

• Nurseries with constructive feedback to recognise strengths and identify areas for improvement.
• Families with useful insights to help them find the right nursery.

Below, we explain the purpose of each rating category:

Overall Experience - This provides an overall summary of the reviewer’s general experience and satisfaction with the nursery.

Facilities and Outside Space - A well-designed nursery environment with safe and engaging indoor and outdoor spaces is crucial for children's learning and development. This category assesses the quality, safety, and suitability of the nursery’s facilities, including classrooms, play areas, and outdoor spaces.

Learning - providing a stimulating and enriching learning environment is at the heart of any nursery. This rating assesses how well the nursery supports early years development, creativity, and school readiness through structured learning activities and play.

Resources and Equipment and ICT - Access to high-quality educational resources, toys, books, and ICT equipment can enhance children's learning experiences. This category evaluates the variety, quality, and appropriateness of the resources available to children.

Care -  wellbeing and happiness of children are of utmost importance. This rating assesses the quality of care provided by nursery staff, including emotional support, attentiveness, and ensuring children feel safe and valued.

Activities - iverse range of activities helps to keep children engaged and supports their physical, social, and cognitive development. This rating evaluates the variety, creativity, and inclusivity of the activities provided at the nursery.

Staff - The attitude, experience, and professionalism of nursery staff play a crucial role in children's experiences and development. This category reflects how friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive the staff are in their daily interactions with children and parents.

Food and Nutrition - Providing nutritious, well-balanced meals is essential for children's growth and overall wellbeing. This rating assesses the quality, variety, and nutritional value of the food and snacks offered, as well as the nursery’s ability to cater to dietary requirements.

Management - Strong leadership is crucial for maintaining a well-run nursery. Reviewers rate how effectively the nursery is managed, including communication with parents, organisation, and responsiveness to concerns.

Cleanliness - A clean and hygienic environment is essential for the health and safety of young children. This category reflects how well-maintained and sanitary the nursery is, including play areas, bathrooms, and dining spaces.

Safeguarding - Ensuring children's safety and welfare is a top priority. This rating evaluates how well the nursery implements safeguarding policies, including staff training, supervision, and security measures to protect children from harm.

Value for Money - We understand that this category can be open to interpretation, particularly when nursery fees vary based on location and services provided. However, this rating provides insight into whether reviewers feel the nursery offers good service and quality relative to what they or their children receive.

Need More Help?

If you have any questions or concerns about how these ratings are used, please don’t hesitate to contact our Reviews Team. We are here to ensure that reviews remain fair, useful, and beneficial for both nurseries and families seeking the best early years care for their children.