to have concerns about a preschool/nursery that are..

[AugustaProdworthy]

Maybe I've got used to an exceptional nursery but we are moving soon and have had visits to two nursery/preschools in the new area. One worried me as the gate was not secure (although the front door was) and seemed a bit chaotic and the other seemed really chaotic and full and the lunch served was fish fingers, chips and beans.
I'm not after a flaming and its my first AIBU but I would love to know what other nurseries/preschools are like and whether I should be concerned about the security and food. BTW I do serve fish fingers etc but I'm a bit err about paying £37 a day for that to be served.

[Sirzy]

As long as there was no way of them getting out of the building and the gate is secure when the children are outside then that wouldn't bother me too much - do the individual rooms have locked doors?

You would need to see a full menu not just one days to be able to judge that side of things.

And anywhere with a group of 3 and 4 year olds is going to be chaotic!

[AugustaProdworthy]

thanks, they said they put a chain on the gate when the children where outside and I completely understand a nursery/preschool will be chaotic. There seemed to be a lack of books or quiet space in both and that worried me a bit too. I know I should see the weekly menu too and I will get in touch and ask for it- good idea thanks.

[JellyMould]

Hmm. Well, our nursery has the gate open during pickup and drop off time and does fish fingers and wedges once a fortnight. But gate is locked during the day and fish fingers are the exception not the rule.

[AugustaProdworthy]

thanks, Jelly. I think 'hmmm' sums up how I felt about both places. I'm just after an idea of how other nurseries and preschools work before I decide which one is right for my DC. thanks

[Sirzy]

The nursery DS goes too has 2 secure doors to go through to get into it, the garden area is out the back of the nursery with one gate which is always locked.

Their menu is outstanding and I don't think it is the standard type you get in all nurseries we are just very lucky! They have a monthly rotation of meals.

The pre school he is moving to in September only has one door to enter the classroom which the children can't reach and a gate in the playground which is only bolted when the children play out.

Both are chaotic whenever I have been in but do have "chill" spaces.

[MyDarlingClementine]

"BTW I do serve fish fingers etc but I'm a bit err about paying £37 a day for that to be served."

I worked in a super expensive nursing home years ago, the rates were 15 years ago, £300 a week for a single room.

They were served cold tomato soup ( heinz)

[SquinkiesRule]

Holy cow is £37 a day normal Nursery rates now?
The fish fingers wouldn't bother me too much, unless it was chips daily I'm pretty flexible with food at school/cm but am more strict at home.

[milkysmum]

£37 pretty average round here ( north England ). Think fish fingers pretty avergae too!!!!

[traintracks]

Clearly not in London. Try £60 per day

[Sheshelob]

I'd give my left nut to pay £37 a day for nursery. Frankly, for that money, I'd let them feed DS gravel.

I pay £40 for a morning and DS gets home cooked food.

I think you need to see more nurseries if you aren't happy.

[HamAlive]

£42 here and that's Sure Start. Private nurseries are £55 and up.

DS' nursery has a gate then a secure door to the reception/lobby thing. Then a secure door to the corridor with the rooms coming off the corridor. The playground is fully enclosed with a secured gate.

I don't think he's ever been given fish fingers but it wouldn't bother me every now and then. They always seem to have lovely food, cooked on site and it's on a rotation.

[readysteady]

Ha ha ha to the poster that was shocked at 32 a day! 65 here! Though no fish fingers so maybe that's what we pay for with the extra :)

[PoppyWearer]

I also think £37 sounds cheap!

FWIW my SIL paid at least double that (and then some, I think) for a nursery in London and spaghetti hoops and fish fingers were very much the normal food there. At least my £50 a day gets my DS some home-cooked food from the Jamie Oliver school menus...

[NumericalMum]

I thought £37 a day you would be lucky to get fish fingers... To be honest I saw 3 nurseries before choosing mine. The first two ticked all the boxes - good menus, good records, good routines but they seemed cold. My DC's nursery was chaotic and certainly didn't serve gourmet food everyday but my DC was so happy there and learned to eat all sort of things including her favourite, broccoli!

[blondieminx]

Ours is £57 a day (Essex, commuter town).

Think you also need to see a fortnight's menu's and to visit mid session to monitor access.

Go with your gut feeling, it's there for a reason!

[MyDarlingClementine]

You should be more specific and ask exactly what the budget for food is and ask for that in writing.
This nursing homes budget was pittance.

[Footface]

Nothing wrong with the odd fish finger.

£37 a day is great mines £64