Look at how staff interact with babies - getting on the floor or just supervising from a chair?

Outdoor access multiple times daily, even in rain.

Ask how they handle conflict between kids - 'we don't have conflict' is a red flag.

Staff turnover rate - high turnover is the biggest red flag.

Staff:child ratio in PRACTICE not on paper. Drop in at random times.

Settling-in policy - if they rush you through it, they don't get it.

Read OFSTED reports but don't rely on them alone - they're a snapshot.