Navigating the Journey of Early Years Education and Choosing the Right Setting

Rachel Rosa
Nov 10
4 min read

Choosing the Right Early Years Setting: What Families Should Know

As a parent, selecting the right early years setting for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make for their development. As an early years educator, I have witnessed firsthand how the environment, the educators, and the curriculum shape young minds during these formative years. This post shares insights into what makes a quality early years setting and offers practical advice for parents embarking on this journey.

Understanding Early Years Education

Early years education lays the foundation for a child’s future learning and development. During these early stages (birth to age 5), children develop essential skills such as language, social interaction, motor abilities and emotional regulation (Department for Education [DfE], 2024). These skills support later success in school and life. Importantly, the EYFS sets out the standards that all early years providers in England must meet to ensure children learn and develop well and are kept safe.

My passion as an educator comes from seeing children grow in confidence and curiosity. Providing a setting where children feel safe and inspired to explore is at the heart of what I do. Early years education is not just about preparing children academically but nurturing their whole development — aligning with research showing high-quality early years settings promote long-term cognitive, social and emotional outcomes.

Key Characteristics of a Good Early Years Setting

Safe and Nurturing Environment

Safety is the cornerstone of any early years setting. Children need to feel secure if they are to take risks and try new things. This means the physical space must be free from hazards, and staff must be vigilant and trained in child protection.

A nurturing environment supports emotional wellbeing. When children feel cared for and understood, they develop trust and resilience. Warm interactions with adults help children manage their feelings and build positive relationships — these aspects of process quality strongly influence outcomes.

Qualified and Caring Educators

Educators should have relevant qualifications and ongoing training to understand child development and effective teaching methods. Research finds that staff qualifications and professional development are among the structural features linked with higher quality provision.

Beyond credentials, the best educators show genuine empathy and passion for working with children. When teachers listen carefully and respond to each child’s needs, they create a supportive atmosphere where learning thrives.

Engaging Curriculum and Learning Opportunities

A play-based curriculum encourages children to learn through hands-on experiences. Play promotes creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. For example, building blocks teach spatial awareness, while role-play encourages language development. This aligns with the EYFS requirement that learning and development programmes include areas such as communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design.

Activities that invite children to ask questions and experiment help develop critical thinking. A good setting offers a balance of child-led and adult-guided activities that keep children motivated and challenged. Research emphasises the importance of observation, assessment and a setting’s ethos in supporting quality early years curricula.

Collaborating with Families

Family involvement strengthens a child’s learning journey. Open communication between educators and parents builds trust and ensures consistency between home and the setting. The EYFS highlights the role of working in partnership with parents and carers (EY Alliance, 2023).

Sharing observations and progress helps parents support their child’s development. I have found that when families feel welcomed and heard, children benefit from a stronger support network.

Observing and Assessing Early Years Settings

Visits and Open Days

Visiting potential settings allows parents to see the environment and meet staff. During visits, observe how educators interact with children. Are they attentive and patient? Notice the cleanliness and safety of the facilities.Look for spaces that encourage exploration such as reading corners, outdoor play areas and creative zones. Ask questions about daily routines, curriculum, and how individual needs are met.

Feedback from Other Parents

Hearing from other parents provides valuable insights. Ask about their experiences with communication, responsiveness, and how their child has progressed.You can gather feedback through parent groups, online forums, or informal conversations. Although every child is different, consistent positive feedback is a good sign.

Assessing the Atmosphere

The overall atmosphere reveals much about a setting. Are children engaged and happy? Do they seem comfortable approaching adults?Research emphasises that process quality (daily practices, interactions) matters just as much as structural quality (staffing, physical environment).

A lively, warm environment where children appear busy, learning and playing usually indicates a good setting. Trust your instincts if something feels off or if children appear withdrawn.

Making the Final Choice

Choosing the right early years setting involves balancing many factors: safety, educator quality, curriculum, family involvement and atmosphere. Take your time to visit multiple settings and gather information.Remember that the best setting is one where your child feels secure, valued and excited to learn. Early years education shapes a child’s future, so investing effort in this decision pays off in their growth and happiness. Evidence reinforces this: high-quality early years education is one of the best ways to ensure children can thrive and succeed in school and beyond.