Hi,

I'm looking into childcare from now, expecting baby in May. Any recommendations for nurseries in the Trumpington/Addenbrookes area?

There's two that have come up after my search:

One is Kidsunlimited on Long Rd and the other is Rainbow Day Nursery (http://www.rainbowdaynursery.org/).

Anyone have any experience of either?

I have a close friend with her baby at Kidsunlimited Long Road and she's got mixed feelings about it. Says her DD has always been happy there - and that's the main thing for any parent - but she (the mum) has had a few issues. For example, DD had spilt a drink and her top was soaking wet but no one changed her. I can't remember what other examples she Gave me but that sort of thing really. Also they're very expensive I hear.
I don't know about the Rainbow Day Nursery.

I've visited them both. Rainbow is very messy, a bit run down. It was a hot sunny day and one of the rooms had a black curtain covering a full wall window because otherwise it would get too hot; the children had to use a different room because of that.... Also outside space was a bit small and not very nice. On the other hand the baby room looked lovely, the staff seemed to really care about the babies and I wouldn't have minded taking my ds there.

Kidsunlimited has new very good facilities, but I thought the staff were a bit less warm and caring. Also the baby room was huge and all the babies were crying so it didn't really leave a very good impression. On the other hand was talking to some friends this weekend who take their baby there (he's 15months I think) and they're very happy. They say it suits their child because he's very sociable and likes to watch other children but maybe wouldn't be ideal for a more shy child.

Our ds goes to JCN on Chaucer Road and we couldn't be happier!

MarronGlace, thank you for sharing your friend's experience. Do you have any idea of how expensive it is?

AfricanBigElephant, thank you so much! I'll be paying them a visit soon so will have a look.

The JCN is a little far out for us, but I suppose I could do it, though traffic on the way back is probably horrendous. How is parking? And may I ask how old your ds is?

AfricanBigElephant, may I ask why you are so happy with JCN? You can PM me if you prefer

I think a full day is £59

MarronGlace Gosh!

A very good manager makes all the difference imo and that's the case at JCN. Staff are happy so turnover is very low - some have been there for over 10 years. Children are the priority, not profit, and parents are very involved and have a say in all aspects.
Ds has always been very happy there. Dd was at 2 other different nurseries so I have something to compare it with.

Drawbacks: its only open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and it doesn't take children just a few days, the only part time option is all mornings or all afternoons.

Hope this helps - feel free to ask any more specific questions.

Sorry, forgot to say parking is fine, a bit busy at 5.30 but not much of a pronlem.

We live near addenbrookes and I work south of cambridge so I do long road and trumpington rd both ways morning and afternoon and it never takes more than 10-15 mins.

Ds is 3 now and he's been there since 6 mo.

AfricanBigElephant, thanks! Will pay them a visit