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Original poster

Which Nursery in Richmond?

10 replies

Lulabel27 · 28/10/2010 10:18

Hi
I've been looking but not found a recent thread about which nursery is best in the Richmond area. I'm looking to return to work full time and so need full time care for a 9 month old from next year.

We're looking at Asquiths, Kings Road, East Twickehnam (Eaton Schools), Grena Road and Pools on the Park.

Does anyone have any experience of them or thoughts? Are there any others I've not listed that would allow me to get to a station by 8:30?

Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lulabel27 · 28/10/2010 10:32

I must add our baby hasn't been born yet, she is due in January but I know I have to do my research now!

OP posts:
castlesintheair · 28/10/2010 20:19

Best daycare nursery is Kings Road. Heard Montys good too.

Kora · 28/10/2010 20:39

Of those, I've heard very good things about Grena Road nursery (high quality staff, good facilities etc), definitely worth looking at. Monty's very caring atmosphere - although there are two sites so be careful which one you are signing up for. I'd also advise looking into any childminders near you as a back-up though (Richmond council website has info for Family Info Service), as I buckled when I was about to put my 9-month old in nursery as I suddenly preferred to have something closer to one-to-one care and homely environment. It's a very personal choice, but be prepared to feel lots of unexpected (and probably not totally rational) feelings when it comes to the point of settling upon childcare, so it's good to look at lots of options! Best of luck.

Kora · 28/10/2010 20:40

P.S. And the nursery very kindly gave me refund on deposit, as I gave them enough notice (just!), so keep an eye on the terms and conditions.

Horton · 28/10/2010 20:50

My daughter went to Grena Road for a while (but she was older, over three). I liked it and thought the staff were really trying very hard and committed to their jobs. They did a lot of quite interesting activities with them - talks from police re crossing the road, trips out, plenty of time at the park etc. However, just before she left (to go to Windham preschool) the management had a big shake up so no idea what it's like now.

My friend's little boy goes to Monty's and she rates it very highly. But again, he's older, nearly three, so baby rooms may be v different. I'd advise that you go and see everywhere and see how you feel then.

Pixipie · 29/10/2010 11:16

My DS (aged 2) has been at Grena Road for just over a year and loves it. I looked round lots of nurseries in Richmond and Grena Rd was definitely my favourite as it's quite large like a school but with good facilities and really caring staff. The manager Chris is brilliant with the kids. I think it is a bit of a 'Marmite' nursery, ie I know lots of people whose kids are really happy there but also quite a few who have moved their kids to other nurseries for various reasons. It's good to look round lots and go with your instinct. I also know of a really good childminder a friend of mine used for a year, her name is Charlie Ezekiel, her details are on the childminder section of the Richmond.gov website. Hope this helps!

AlmostKewmum · 01/11/2010 22:59

Both of mine have been at Montys - both original and the new site at Marksbury (which is just for 2-5 year olds, so not relevant yet) and I cannot rate it highly enough. We've been there with one child or another for nearly 4 years now - my eldest started there at 10 months.

The staff are caring, rooms are small (only 6 children to each room) and it's a real home from home environment. Lots of staff have been there several years and it seems generally to have low staff turn over. Our children have flourished there. Several friends send their kids to Montys too, and we've all been very happy with the care.

The new Montys at Marksbury is great - a couple of staff have come from Windham ( which is generally rated as the best preschool in the area) and the children love it - they were great from a pre -school perspective too, and I'll be sending my little one in due course

Oh - and they all get home cooked, mainly organic meals - they eat better than I do! ( one site has an Italian chef, the other a French one)

Have a look round a few nurseries though - you'll get a feel for which one is right for you. Good luck :)

Kewcumber · 02/11/2010 14:39

DSwent to asquith in Kew but only as a preschooler so can;t cmment on baby room but it seemed like a nice place. Our old child minder was fab with the littler ones she's in Kew - Brenda Harrison would defintely recommend her and probably mroe flexible than a nursery.

cath100 · 17/04/2011 11:09

my children are at asquith kew and they are amazing. they had new managment and real shake around, and the result is brilliant.
the staff are really caring and even though i called one hundred times a day when they first started, the ladies understood what i was going through. i just feel like im leaving my children with family. (and the oldest one is now begining to sound words out!)

ThoraNogson · 18/04/2011 15:12

My kids have both been to the Asquith in Kew from 6 months old and we have been very happy with it. The baby room was particularly caring (although the staff have changed since my dd was in that room).

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