A childcare tour is a chance to picture your child’s day and talk through what matters to your family. Alongside seeing the rooms, leave time to ask about everyday care, learning and the practical details of attending.
Before your visit, write down your preferred days, possible start date and the things that help your child feel comfortable. Choose the questions below that matter most to you. If you visit several centres in Doncaster, use the same questions at each one so you can compare their answers afterwards.
1. What would a typical day look like for my child?
Ask the team to walk you through arrival, activities, meals, rest and collection. How does the day change for children with different routines or interests? Ask which room or program they would discuss for your child and how that decision is made. This makes the conversation specific to your family and helps you understand how the spaces you see are used.
2. How do you help children settle in?
Talk about your child’s experience of being away from home and any concerns about starting care. Ask what happens before the first day, who welcomes children at drop-off and how educators respond when a child needs comfort. Find out how you would receive an update during those early days and how you can share changes in your child’s routine.
3. How does your learning approach work in practice?
Ask an educator to explain an activity or material you can see: why was it chosen, how might a child use it, and when would an educator offer help? If you are exploring Montessori, our Montessori program information is a useful starting point. On the tour, ask how the team applies that approach for your child’s stage and interests.
4. How do you manage supervision and everyday safety?
Ask the team to explain supervision in the rooms and outdoor areas, arrival and collection procedures, and how they confirm who can collect a child. Find out how families are contacted about an incident or illness. Ask to see the relevant written information and note anything you want clarified before making a decision.
5. How would you understand my child’s individual needs?
Discuss the information the centre would need about your child’s communication, cultural background, comfort routines or additional support needs. Ask who you would speak with and how that information is shared with the educators caring for your child. If a particular adjustment matters to your family, request a specific discussion about whether and how it can be supported.
6. How will we stay in touch?
Ask what updates families receive about daily routines, learning and wellbeing, and how you can raise a question or concern. Find out whether there are opportunities for a longer conversation beyond drop-off and collection. You might also ask how educators use information from home, such as a new interest, a change in sleep or an important family event.
7. What should I know about meals, rest and personal care?
Ask to see the current menu and talk through any dietary requirements or allergies with the team. Find out how rest, toileting and personal care are discussed with families, and what you would need to provide. Make a note of any follow-up conversation needed so you can check those arrangements before accepting a place.
8. Will the practical arrangements work for our family?
Confirm operating hours, drop-off and collection arrangements, and access to the centre. Ask for current written information about fees, what is included and any other charges or conditions. Discuss the days you need and your possible start date. Treat availability as something to confirm directly with the centre when you are ready to take the next step.
9. What happens after the tour?
Ask how to follow up, what information an enquiry requires and what the next steps would be if you decide to proceed. Check whether there is anything else to read or discuss before making your decision. If another parent or guardian needs to be involved, ask how you can share the information or arrange a further conversation.
Bring your questions to Little Lane Doncaster
After each visit, note what you learned, what felt right for your family and which questions remain unanswered. Give yourself room to follow up on the details that matter most.
To explore Little Lane Montessori in Doncaster, enquire about Doncaster and ask about a tour. Share your child’s stage, preferred days and possible start date, along with any questions you would like to discuss with the team.