Not Sure Where to Start with Nursery Hunting? Try These AI Search Prompts

Choosing a nursery can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t even know what questions to ask. With so much information online, many parents are now turning to AI search tools to help them narrow down what matters. But what do you even type in?

Here’s a simple, stress-free guide with ready-to-use AI search prompts. You can copy, paste, and personalise these to get tailored guidance while you search for the right nursery.

1. Prompts to understand what matters in a nursery

If you’re just beginning:

• “What are the top things parents should look for when choosing a nursery?”
• “What does a high-quality Early Years setting look like?”
• “Explain nursery quality standards in simple terms.”
• “What makes a nursery safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive?”

These give you a foundation before you start touring.

2. Prompts to research nurseries in your area

To help you narrow down options:

• “Nurseries near me” or “local nursery schools” for an overview of what’s in your area.
• “List the best nurseries near me and compare them based on Ofsted rating, curriculum, and parent reviews.”
• “Find nurseries within X minutes of my home/work that accept children aged X.”
• “Find nurseries near NN1, NN2, or NN4 postcodes in Northampton.”
• “Which nurseries in [your town] offer extended hours or flexible sessions?” or any other specific requirements you have.

This is ideal when you don’t have a shortlist yet.

3. Prompts to understand staff qualifications & expertise

For checking if the team is well-trained:

• “What qualifications should nursery staff have in the UK?”
• “How can I tell if a nursery invests in Early Childhood Specialists or highly qualified educators?”
• “What does good staff-to-child interaction look like in nurseries?”

This helps you assess expertise - something many parents overlook.

4. Prompts to evaluate a nursery’s approach to learning & play

Perfect when comparing settings:

• “Explain the differences between Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and play-based nurseries.”
• “What should a learning-through-play nursery timetable look like?”
• “What does a good nursery curriculum look like?”
• “Which nurseries near me [insert postcode] follow the Montessori or Forest School approach?”

This helps you decide what approach fits your child’s personality.

5. Prompts to help evaluate emotional & social support

Because wellbeing is just as important as academics:

• “How do nurseries support children who are shy, sensitive, or anxious?”
• “What settling-in approach is best for toddlers [or your child’s age]?”
• “What questions should I ask to understand a nursery’s emotional support strategy?”

This gives insight into nurturing practices.

6. Prompts to understand practicalities & daily life

Useful for working parents trying to plan logistics:

• “What should a nursery daily routine include?”
• “What do good nurseries provide for meals, outdoor play, and sleep routines?”
• “What questions should I ask a nursery about allergies and dietary needs?” or weaning support, if you have a baby.
• “What should I look for when visiting a nursery’s outdoor space?”
• “What does a typical day look like at [chosen nursery name]”

These help you picture what your child’s day will actually feel like.

7. Prompts to understand fees & funding

Fees and funding are crucial part of choosing a nursery - and often the most confusing. These prompts help you cut through jargon and compare like for like.

• “What are the average nursery fees in Northampton?”
• “What kinds of things are usually included or excluded in nursery fees?”
• “Compare these nurseries based on fees and what’s included: [paste links].”
• “Is this nursery’s fee structure [paste links] good value for money?”

And to help you navigate the world of funding…

• “What childcare funding or free hours am I eligible for based on my child’s age and my circumstances?”
• “Explain the 15 and 30 hours funding rules using simple examples.”
• “What does ‘stretched funding’ mean and is it better for my schedule?”
• “Which nurseries in Northampton accept 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare?”

8. Prompts to compare nurseries or make a final decision

When you’re choosing between two or three:

• “Help me compare these nurseries: [Paste website links]. Which is a better fit for a child who is X years old?”
• “Based on these features, which nursery offers the best long-term development opportunities?”
• “Summarise the pros and cons of each nursery on my shortlist.”
• “Summarise parent reviews of nurseries in Northampton”

This helps you reach a confident decision.

Final Thoughts

If searching for a nursery feels overwhelming, using AI prompts can make the process clearer, calmer, and more personalised. Whether you’re evaluating learning, food, or funding, these prompts help you ask the right questions and choose a place where your child can truly thrive.