• Day nurseries take children from 3 months to 5 years.
  
• They generally operate between 8am and 6pm (private nurseries may have more flexible hours) and are open most of the year except for Christmas and bank holidays. Some take summer holidays so check before you sign up if this would clash with your schedule.
  
• Children in nurseries are cared for by a selection of adults. Most operate on the key worker system where the parent and child are allocated a key nursery worker. This is the staff member who builds a special relationship with the child and is the parent's main point of contact for discussion on their child's development and progress within the nursery.
  
• Nurseries are governed by strict regulations and are checked every four years by Ofsted who publish a report on their findings. You can contact Ofsted on 020 7421 6800 or visit their website on www.ofsted.gov.uk.
  
• There are also guidelines laid out on the ratio of adults to children in a nursery. From one to two years it is one adult to three children. From two to three years it is one adult to four children and from three to seven years it is one adult to eight children.

Local councils have lists of nurseries in your area - there are several different kinds:

• Council nurseries: These are free but it is very difficult to get places. They are usually reserved for children with special circumstances i.e. one-parent families, etc.
  
• Nurseries in the workplace: Places in these nurseries are reserved mainly for children of employees but if there are any extra spaces non-employees will be considered although they will not be eligible for employee discounts. If you hear of a brilliant workplace nursery in your area it is definitely worth applying.
  
• Private nurseries: These are fee-paying nurseries and although they are the most expensive option they are springing up everywhere and you are most likely to find an available place in one of them. You can find private nurseries that are prepared to be more flexible over hours and some have extra services such as internet access so that you can log on and see your child during the day and a number offer organic food at mealtimes. If you want something a bit different you will have to search the private sector.

Cost:

• Nursery fees range from between £120 and £200 per week.
  
• When choosing a nursery remember when you are enquiring about the fees to check what is inclusive and what is considered an extra so that you are not hit with unexpected hidden costs when your child starts.

Points to help you decide if a nursery is for you:

• Nurseries are very reliable - they are always open and you are not relying on one individual who may let you down at the last minute.
  
• Nurseries can give children early confidence and be a great starting block for school as they are used to being away from mum and have learnt to operate in an environment with other children. If your child is very shy however they may find life in a nursery rather overwhelming and there is much less one to one care.
  
• If your child is sick she won't be accepted into the nursery and you will have to care for them at home. If you decide on a nursery you may need to appoint family back up or a babysitter you can call on at the last moment if your child is ill and you cannot take the time off work to look after them.
  
• Most nurseries cannot be expected to be flexible - you need to be on time to pick up your child.

For more information refer to The Children's Act: www.dfee.gov.uk/statistics

Best bear mum's own tips for nurseries:
"If you are only going to put your child in a nursery one day a week avoid Mondays as you always hit the bank holidays and you don't get your money back if the nursery is not open". (Lisa Stephens, Leamington Spa)

"Start early if you are looking for a nursery as places are like gold dust, especially in London. It may seem mad but you need to give yourself months because waiting lists are endless". (Julia Smith-Wright, London)

Email your nursery tips on feedback@bestbear.co.uk