Mumsnet Talk

I'm looking into nurseries for my DS to go next year - am thinking 2 or 3 mornings a week to start with. We live near the Dials.

Everyone seems to rave about Blueberry nursery but there must be other good places! Any advice, anyone? Playcare?

Also, if I don't want 5 days a week, is it difficult to get in? I'm just starting with this, and would appreciate any tips.

Thanks

Ditto - thanks for starting this thread, Devonlover - could have posted that myself! We're moving to Seven Dials in a couple of weeks, and some info on nurseries would be great...

Our 2 year old DD goes to Blueberry and it is a fantastic place, really homely and the staff are brilliant and really caring which definitely came across during the settling in period. I would recommend it highly, but there are others nearby - Hopscotch and the new Montessori are also looked great and are both within 10 minutes of seven dials... Whatever you do go check them out and get your childs name down quickly - there can be a long waiting list for good nurseries.

I should add that morning slots are quite difficult to get since no-one wants the unpopular afternoon slots. I wanted 2 mornings for my DD and ended up with 2 school days (8.30-4.30). You pay for these hours but can drop off and pick up whenever you like so they don't have to stay all day if it's too tiring or whatever...

Thanks spooniemoonie. Might see you both there if we make it up the waiting list!

Thanks for the advice Spooniemoonie and Zoela. I'm going to have a look at Blueberry, but it looks like you have to do 2 full days - altho' as you say SM you can pick up earlier etc.

Does anyone know anything about Playcare on Windlesham Gardens?

Cbabiesafe is a lovely nursery - they have webcams so you can see them playing too which is nice. The main reason we go there is that the food is excellent quality, the staff are so helpful, the manager is so committed to the place - cant ask for more. Good luck hunting!

My DS is at Supersaurus on Cromwell Road and is really happy there

I liked Playcare - 2 of mine went there.

It's slightly chaotic and a bit rundown, and I still really liked it.

(couldn't get into Blueberry!).

Hi Drowningnotwaving (like the name btw)

Can I ask what you liked about Playcare? I quite like it too, I don't really care if it's a bit shabby etc, means it's quite relaxed imo, and it's more imp that the staff are warm etc.

Would be good to know what your experience was like.

all of those are good, Deepdene is also fabulous .

We love Supersaurus too.

Hi Devonlover,

Brighton & Hove Family Information Service (FIS) have up to date information on all local Ofsted registered childcare including day nurseries. We can give you information about childcare provision in your chosen area - for example we can plot your address and search within a radius of your home, or search along a route you may be travelling.

If you would like a tailored list of day nurseries (or other types of childcare) in your chosen area so that you can double check that you have considered all of the available options, contact us on:
01273 293545 / familyinfo@brighton-hove.gov.uk / www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1157606

You can also search for childcare online - visit www.familyinfobrighton.org.uk

My little boy went to Playcare. The shabbiness and relaxed attitude is what appealed to start off with but I found it a bit too chaotic. I'd say it's good for older ones 2 1/2 or 3 upwards who can stand their own a bit more but my little boy always seemed a bit overwhelmed and since going to a smaller nursery he's been like a different child - so much calmer and more confident. The staff are really good in the older rooms though. In the youngest room they seemed to change all the time which I don't think helped him settle. Still a nice place overall though - I've seen a lot worse!

I know this is a bit late to reply, but must just say Hopscotch on Nizells Ave (opp st annes wells) is superb. REALLY caring staff who have all been there for ages (really unusual imo to see nursery staff stay in one setting for so long-it must be good!) both my 2 have been there and it is absolutely brilliant. long waiting list though!

Amigos at the Cornerstone Community Centre is only mornings. Kids have to be min two years. My dd loves it and parents of older kids have told me it prepares kids really well for school.