Tips on choosing Pre-Schools

[girlsmum]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.

My dd, aged 2.4 has been offered two separate places at two separate pre-schools. Unfortunately, neither are my preferred choice.

My question being, how do I choose between the two - they seem very similar. What things should I look for?

The first pre-school is for two afternoons a week, whereas the second is two mornings a week (my dd still naps in the afternoon - I don't know at what age they are suppossed to give this up?). The first pre-school encourage children to refer to the staff as Aunties?

Please help - I'm feeling aprehensive as she would start in Janaury - she seem's so small!!

[bobbybob]

Aunties sounds weird.

[mamaoftwo]

Does she really need to go in January? Could you perhaps wait until after Easter when a place may become available at your prefered choice? Just a thought.

Do you know if either is a member of the Pre School Learning Alliance? You could check out their website for info on each one. Might help with your decision. Good luck.

[LIZS]

What is the main difference between these and your preferred one ? Any possibilty a space might come up there in the meantime. You are not under any obligation to accept either if she isn't ready, it may suit her better to start at almost 3 or even later. They vary so much in when they give up a nap so tbh, if you need to choose one now, out of those I'd go for the one which suits her natural routine better. An overtired child is less likely to settle, cooperate and get the most benefit from her sessions plus she'd probably crash out on you later in the afternoon.

Have you looked at their Ofsted reports to see if the positive and negative things they highlight correspond to your feelings. Also visit with dd to see where she may be more comfortable. Look for a clean (including toilets), organised but active environment with motivated and knowledgable staff. Also would they let you attend for a few sessions and leave her gradually to ease her into independence, if needs be. What about their policy on toilet training, illness, preparation for entry into school...

hth

[zebratwizzler]

Agree that aunties sounds weird... and do look at the Ofsted report.

Otherwise I'd probably go for the one offering mornings as it suits her nap time.
Also, which is closer? Which pre-school feeds into the school she'll likely go to, or which pre-school is likely to take kids living closer to you (easier for playdates, etc.).

Good luck.

[Orinoco]

Message withdrawn

[girlsmum]

Thank you so much everyone.

I'm going to look up the pre-school Learning Alliance now.

Thanks LIZS, that was the sort of points I was looking for.