Family voices, stronger nurseries: Tips for parent surveys
Parent feedback is a vital tool in improving practice, strengthening partnerships and ensuring our children’s needs are fully met. Whether you are reviewing your curriculum, planning an event, or simply want to get to know your families better, an effective survey helps give a voice to those that matter. These top tips for parent surveys will guide you in designing and delivering surveys that are meaningful, accessible and genuinely useful.
Top tips for parent surveys
- Be clear about what you want to learn from the survey. Are you gathering views on children settling in, communication, the learning environment? Keep the focus tight to avoid overwhelming parents
- Keep it short – limit the survey to between five and ten questions. Multiple choice format with room for a comment is often more user-friendly
- Use simple, jargon-free language, for example, instead of using ‘developing fine motor skills’ use ‘strengthening the muscles in their hands and fingers’. Using plain language helps build trust and keeps communication inclusive
- Offer the survey in multiple formats – digitally via email, app, QR code or on paper. Consider translations or verbal options for parents who speak other languages
- Explain to parents why their feedback matters and how it will be used to improve the nursery. If appropriate, make it anonymous – parents are more likely to be honest if their responses are not identifiable
- Choose the right time. Avoid busy times like holidays or term time transitions. Give a clear deadline and send a gentle reminder before the closing date
- Use their responses to reflect. Look for recurring themes in the answers to discuss at staff meetings, inform development plans and parent engagement strategies
- If a comment reveals a concern, follow it up and reach out personally and with sensitivity, where possible
- Share the results. Let parents know what the survey showed and what changes you’ll make, or not make, as a result of their feedback. Even small actions help build trust and demonstrate impact
- Thank and acknowledge their participation. Consider sharing a positive fact that emerges from the responses on your noticeboard, website, or in a newsletter - for example, “97% of you love our outside space – thank you!”
NDNA products to support you with this tip
Early years resources for parents and carers - resources
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
