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Help me with nursery again please

12 replies

mumsy1014 · 02/02/2018 17:49

Have recently started a similar post regarding what nursery to choose but now have changed my options slightly

Option one an Ofsted outstanding nursery. On the face of it is amazing. Was very impressed but did have to book to visit which some people have told me is not a good thing as it means they are very prepared for you. I couldn't work out why they had places at first but then I realised it is probably the price.
Option two Ofsted Good. Again looks good and allowed us to visit without an appointment. Also very different from option 1 a lot more 'hectic' . This is one thing I would like peoples opinions on as I can't decide what is best on the face of it with option one was a very professional safe environment . Whereas option 2 the children and staff where very loud and boisterous. wondered from actual experience what parents think is best out of the two environments?
A big part of me wants to send DD to option 1 as I feel it may be giving her the best start in life. But from what I have said do you think I could be wrong? The cost is a factor but I think we could just about afford it.

OP posts:
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jannier · 02/02/2018 22:05

For me appointments only would be a deterrent unless they then said now you've seen us and had the talk pop back anytime for a second look.
Which nursery seemed happier? how were the staff relating to the children was it warm and relaxed?
I've been to nurseries that cost a fortune have excellent ratings but when you go in to work they children are very subdued and it just doesn't feel right. Forget about ratings and good starts what did your gut say.....and have you looked at other settings?
Nursery isn't the be all and end all to a good start two of my mindees are now doctors, one a lawyers and one postgraduate at Cambridge.

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Littlefish · 03/02/2018 20:27

I wouldn't be worried about having to make an appointment. At the nursery where I work, we always ask prospective parents to make an appointment as we want to make sure we have enough staff available so that someone can take time out of the ratio to spend time with the prospective parents, answering all their questions and showing them around.

Once children have started at nursery, parents are welcome to join us every morning, or come and spend half a day with us whenever they want.

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Goldenbug · 03/02/2018 21:31

I also would be worried about appointments. If I'm in a room where me and the team are trying to get 16 toddlers to sleep, visitors can stay the fuck out.

It's a bit hard to tell from the information you've given. Expensive can be good IF the money goes into childcare rather than the owner's Merc. Boisterous can be OK if high spirits and excitement rather than boredom and staff lack of control.

What was the interaction like between staff and children? What was the equipment like? Were the children engaged in something or making up games around the equipment?

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missjaysays · 04/02/2018 12:35

In my professional experience there's nothing between good or outstanding nurseries. A lot of the time it's all in the paperwork. I've worked with some god awful 'outstanding' nurseries and plenty of fantastic 'good' nurseries where staff have been on the ball, know what they're talking about and genuinely care for and love the children.

My nursery is hectic! Any building containing 50 children under the age of 5 should be crazy, fast paced and loud at times. If it isn't, what on Earth are they doing with the children?

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buckyou · 04/02/2018 13:04

How old is your child? If they are very young maybe go for the less hectic one as in my experience babies find it a bit easier to settle into a quieter environment. If they are a bit older though, the second one sounds more fun?

They have plenty of time to be quiet and ‘professional’ at school. I think pick the one that seems most fun and that your child will most enjoy.

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Whoopsiveovershared · 04/02/2018 17:06

Do the worry about having to make an appointment. If you dropped In at any random time and expected a staff member to show you around, that would take them away from the children. Making an appointment just means that the manager or a staff member can be rota'd as spare to give you the attention you deserve and not try to be in two places at once.

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aliabbas · 05/02/2018 19:34

Hi

my son is 22 months old and I do not know how to get him into a nursery and what and where do i go. I have tried the search engines and have not had much joy. Can someone advise and assist me.
I want to know how i get my son onto the nursery waiting list as well.
Thanks

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insancerre · 06/02/2018 06:32

I normally ask parents to make an appointment because

  • some times are better than others, I want to show the nursey at the best possible time with activities going on, not when the rooms are in darkness with children going to sleep or when they are having meals
  • visits can be distracting to children, especially younger ones who may be upset when they see adults as they then expect their parents
  • I need to know that I am free to show people around without comprising ratios and the care of the children
  • nurseries are busy places, not just sat there twiddling my thumbs waiting for wak ins

    I expect most people realise why you need to make an appointment to see a gp or a dentist. You can't just rock up and expect the gp to be free. They are normally busy doing their job, it's the same with nursery managers
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insancerre · 06/02/2018 06:35

Aliabbas
Google nurseries near me
You will get a list
Ring each one and ask to make an appointment for a viewing
Not all will have waiting lists

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newmum2018385 · 06/02/2018 06:47

Thank you everyone we have decided to go with option 1. I agree about it being unfair not making an appointment. I don't think they were trying to hide anything they actually have a very strict security policy so don't want anyone just walking in for a quick visit. I have also managed to speak to an ex employee from there who said it's fantastic she only left as she had to move out the area. Also going to one of their family days this week so will meet other parents.

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insancerre · 06/02/2018 08:11

Glad you've made a choice
Safeguarding is paramount and I always take phone numbers of people who make appointments and then get their address too when they come for the viewing

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DrRanjsRightEyebrow · 06/02/2018 08:13

I went for a more boisterous one. It suits DS's personality and I feel is better preparation for a school environment. He didn't start until he was 3 though.

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