Mumsnet Talk

Hi All,

I have just moved to Crouch End and I am looking for a nursery 4 days a week for my son who is 5 months old.
I am looking for a nursery with a warm and friendly staff for a baby, with a bit of space, with separated kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and playroom. I can't imagine my baby in the same room all day long when babies are crying on the changing mat while he is drinking is bottle of milk.. I know that I am looking for something quite irrealistic but if you have any idea you are more than welcome!

thanks for your great help

After trying a childminder who didn't work out we put or dd into Crouch Hill Day Nursery when she was around 10 months. She started in the baby room (separate kitchen off site), (bathroom), play and sleeping they all did their own thing. Dd didn't like to sleep in a cot so she slept on the floor, others were cots or bouncers depending on the baby. Lots of toys and sensory play. They have a separate little garden fenced off from the older kids. Dd stayed until we moved out of crouch end when she was about 2.8. I loved them (they also do a slightly longer day when needed so I didn't have to leave at 5 to pick up every time). I work in the city. Zoey the manager is lovely as were all of Dd's key workers - when she left they made her a card with photos of her progress/ friends/ nursery workers. She settled pretty much straight away (we used to have to walk on the other side of the road at weekends because she would want to go in.)

We looked at active learning but a) it was v expensive and b) I was really into the idea of 8 month old babies doing art appreciation by looking at different versions of the madonna and child. I'd rather someone just gave her a cuddle.

We looked at a church one (can't remember the name) which was cheaper but had open bar electric fires randomly on tables. Most of the others are montessori and only take from 2+.

"wasn't really into the idea even" but in terms of facilities active learning meets your wish list.

Thank you so much Nubbin for your great advise. I have a visit schedule for next wednesday at Active learning so will see. unfortunately, Crouch Hill Nursery is not on my route to work so it will be difficult :-)

Does anyone has any more idea? Looking forward to receive your great advise!!!

Can anyone let me know if the active learning nursery is a good one for a baby?
Many thanks for your great help

Can anyone let me know if the active learning nursery is a good one for a baby?
Many thanks for your great help

Active learning is extremely good for babies. Joyce (the senior mentor in that room) is amazing and my son was always well cared for and stimulated. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it. Expensive but worth it...

what you are looking for does sound unrealistic!! i know people on here are saying they know a nursery like this, but most aren't - most are as you describe - babies being in one room all day every day with the occasional trip outside or to the shops....

you might be better off to find a good childminder? Try your local FIS or childcare.co.uk

4 days a week in a nursery for a 5 month old is really not good btw....

We had DS in Active Learning for a couple of years (this was nearly 3 years ago though). Would recommend v highly. They also make great use of outside space.

Fortis Green nursery is lovely for babies, possibly a bit too unstructured as they get older but baby room is great, but they tend to have a long waiting list. Worth a call 8883 1266.