How to choose a private nursery: programme, group, fees
How a private nursery differs from a government one
The main differences are group size, programme and flexibility. Private nurseries often have smaller groups, and some are tiny with just a few children. You can pick a focus: English, Montessori, school readiness, creative development. The schedule is more flexible too: full day, half day, a few days a week.
At the same time the standard varies a lot, so don't trust only a name or photos on social media. Look at the rooms and the play area, and watch the teachers and how they talk to the children.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You don't phone every nursery in the area. You write one request: your child's age, the area, the schedule, the programme and the budget. Nurseries reply in chat: terms, group size, monthly fees, what they include, free places. They see where they stand among the other offers, so they often improve their terms. You share your phone number only with the nursery you choose.
What to put in your request
- Child's age — for example, 3 years.
- Area — city and locality that is easy for the drop-off.
- Schedule — full day, half day, short stay, days per week.
- Programme — English, Montessori, school readiness, creative activities.
- Start date — the month you begin.
- Monthly fee — the amount you plan.
- Group size — for example, up to 10 children or a small nursery.
- Child's needs — allergies, diet, special needs, settling in.
Example: “Makati. I'm looking for a private nursery for a 3-year-old, full day, with English. A group of up to 10 children, lactose allergy, a separate menu needed. Starting in June, budget up to ₱7,600 a month.”
What to compare and what to ask
It is best to break the price down: what the monthly fee includes — meals, activities, materials, outings, trips. Ask separately about the admission or annual fee and about payment for days when the child is absent.
Find out how many teachers and helpers there are per group, their education and experience, and whether there is a psychologist or speech therapist. Ask how the day is structured: sleep, outdoor play, lessons, how much time children spend on screens. Ask to see the kitchen and the menu, and, if there is an allergy, how they control the food.
Paperwork and common mistakes
- Not checking that the nursery operates officially and that the agreement has clear terms.
- Choosing by a pretty room without seeing how the teachers talk to the children.
- Not discussing settling in: in the first weeks the child needs a gentle start in the group.
- Not asking what happens with illness, holidays and a change of schedule.
If you don't need a nursery yet and want help at home, see a nanny. Other options are in the section child and elderly care. More details are on the page How it works.
