St. Marks Square Nursery School - Anyone know about it?

[TSchaul]

I live in Camden and am looking for nursery schools for my sons. I came across St. Marks online but don't know it's reputation. Any advice?

[NW3mama]

My little one goes there and it's amazing. We couldn't be happier. We live in Belsize Park and drive ten mins to get there because it's an incredible school. We were going to opt for one within walking distance but the schools we looked at just felt a bit soulless. If you want your boys to go there i would say register your interest early. It's quite small and boutiquey and a lot of high profile families go there so getting a place can be tricky.

[VQSV]

Does Sheema still run it?
She adores children...but can sometimes antagonise parents.
Our experience (from a few years ago) was a very good one....
If Sheema still involved she loves sending girls on to St Christophers...and boys to the Hall (in Belsize Park).

Not many nursery schools will contemplate taking the children to a museum to look at pictures / have yoga sessions / have round-circle discussions of philosophy type issues...

I suspect that it works best for families that are naturally leaning towards a more creative...rather than regimented approach to life...

Sheema has an absolute belief that very young children are capable of far more than we might think...I still giggle at the thought of our daughter "hosting" prospective parent tours around the nursery at the age of about 3...

[hafa786]

I don't know about its detail but I have listened about it that is wonderful school for study.

[ToffeeMoon]

I realise this is an old thread but could I bump it? I'd like to know about this place too - also looking at Ready, Steady, Go.

I need a Reception place for my son from September, we only need a year.

Thanks!

[blueskiesplease]

Good Lord. This 'school' is a disaster zone. Avoid like the plague. Chat to some of the mums in Chalcot Square and you'll soon find out why.

[sugarjay]

Really blueskiesplease, is it genuinely awful? Looking round it, it seemed to take a lot of care of the children and the grouping together of kids of different ages made good sense.

If you had a choice between St Mark's Square Nursery and Broadhurst Nursery, for DS1, which would anyone choose?

Thanks!

[BlazeofLight]

Sugarjay I am also looking at Broadhurst and choosing between there and RSG.

Decided not to apply to St Marks as I didn't click with the Head at all (although love the idea of yoga and meditation sessions!)

Worried that Broadhurst might be too regimented, but have friends who think it was great (admittedly their DC attended ten years ago), whereas don't know anyone who went to RSG. Would love to hear other people's views

[blossomweary]

RSG is wonderful. Jenny who runs it, and all her staff, are kind, sensible and run everything very smoothly. Cannot recommend it highly enough. I don't know anything about Broadhurst, but sadly SMSN is not what it once was, and I think your instinct was right, BlazeofLight. Do have a look at RSG, I think you will be very impressed - beautiful spaces, happy children, stimulating but calm environment. Good luck!

[FordPerfect]

My DC went to RSG a decade ago and it was brilliant. I had visited several nursery schools and it stood out as exceptional. Both had a great time - the learning environment was very creative and the staff were brilliant on the emotional development side. Not for those who want a hot house but does a great job of helping to develop inner confidence and an interest in learning.

[sh77]

Agree with everything blueskies says. I found the place creepy. The head is not someone we would want to deal with if there were any issues.

[blueskiesplease]

Oops, my comment was deleted - I obviously said too much. I'll keep it simple- the head is extremely unusual, the whole set up is creepy, the space is dingy and very noisy. You can definitely find better nurseries in the area. So glad we moved our DD!!

[sh77]

Anyone know if RSG offers the free 15 hours?

[BlazeofLight]

Thanks blueskies - tbh I agree with you. But some people rave about it!

Do you mind me asking you where you moved your DD?

[Emo76]

My daughter attended St marks some time ago. She was happy enough though I do recall the "nativity" which was really odd. She was the innkeeper and for a few weeks beforehands we were light heartedly getting her to practice saying "no room at the inn". The night of the play the children all shuffled in to the church, the head said "welcome to our nativity tableau"....and that was IT! No songs, words, no wonder our daughter was bemused at our attempts to get her to practice.

[blueskiesplease]

Sure, We moved her to Broadhurst Gardens and were very happy about with our choice. It's an excellent nursery.

[sleepwhenidie]

Another unmitigated vote for RSG - my 3 DC's all went to Camden and it was so amazing, nothing negative to feed back at all. All I have heard about St Marks is how bonkers the head is and how hideously expensive it is.

RSG does do the free 15 hrs but I think you need DC to go full time to get it .

[smilingfaces10]

hi, can you tell me a little more about broadhurst? is it too regimented like one post said? personal and nurturing? I dont want a strict or hectic place but a happy one. we are considering a afternoon place at broadhurst and want to make sure its the right thing for us.

[patiencecompassion]

My son goes to St Mark’s and it exceeds all my expectations. The children are truly happy and therefore learning rapidly. The teachers are extremely nurturing. The headteacher is very caring and has good links with schools. My boy is quite difficult and is super attached to me. However he has settled in perfectly and has a great time there. Highly recommend it. Please ignore the haters. There will always be a few.