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Original poster

relocating to Banbury

16 replies

number1 · 13/01/2011 22:57

Hi all, family is relocating to banbury as DH has a new job in Oxford. We have DS1 who is 3 and DS2 is only 6m.
I'm currently looking for a new preschool for DS1, ideally in a nursery setting so that he is familiar with the settings when I go back to work in June. Also, at that time I will need full time care for DS2 so he could go to that nursery too.
We are hoping to get DS1 into St John's catholic 1ary school so anything on the way to st Johns or the train station would be ideal.
I went to visit Rainbow's day nursery today and came home very depressed.....

Also, if you know of childminders that pick up from St Johns I would be happy to hear about it as I might need some help a few days a week.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

OP posts:
twinklytoes · 14/01/2011 20:00

we have some great childrens centres in the town that have a wealth of knowledge. not sure where st john's is, certainly not my side of town. but theres two centres near the train station - brittania road and one in grimsbury but can't remember its name. I'd go visit them and see what they can recommend for you.

I do know a fab childminder from the grimsbury area that I met here. I will find her details and pm you. she is very popular though and holds a waiting list but she will have a wealth of knowledge about other local cms.

we do the daily commute into oxford too, so if your dh needs any tips on avoiding the jams and still achieving oxford in 50mins in rush hour - give us a shout!

good luck with your move, hope it goes well

twinklytoes · 14/01/2011 20:04

not too far from train station nice lady with a wealth of experience. my dd1 nearly went to her, then she moved and didn't do the pick up i needed

twinklytoes · 14/01/2011 20:06

35 childminders here number two on list is near train station

twinklytoes · 14/01/2011 20:10

directgov official list run a search using a central postcode.

Original poster
number1 · 14/01/2011 21:58

Twinklytoes, thank u so much for the info. I will go to the children's centres and contact the person you mentioned. Going to check out smartots on friday and hopefully the nursery at the hospital once they get back to me.
I'm feeling really anxious about this move.... Getting a lot of comfort in the fact that Banbury seems nice.
Do u drive to oxford or take the train?
Thanks again, number1

OP posts:
twinklytoes · 15/01/2011 08:09

not a problem.

we drive in as DH works at same place as me out on the ringroad rather than central. TBH if your DH is working in the centre of oxford, use the train. even though he'll be standing for the 20min journey, will be much easier as the traffic around oxford is bad in rush hours. also if he can adjust work times to start later in the day (10am) then return travel is only a fiver a day.

ThePrisoner · 17/01/2011 01:51

number1 - the nursery at The Horton has a great reputation (and usually a waiting list). If you are considering childminders, I may know some who could help.

Original poster
number1 · 20/01/2011 22:29

Sorry, it has been hectic so haven't had time to turn computer on.
I'm going to visit SmartTots tomorrow and have received a brochure from The Horton so will ring them to arrange a visit.

ThePrisioner : I would definitely be interested in advice re: childminders. Particularly, if they do pick up from St John's (assuming DS1 gets a place there). I have never used a childminder so not sure how it works. What do people do during half term and holidays? I don't have enough annual leave to cover all of those days off so do childminders take little ones during those times?
I'm so lost I feel sick.... Confused

twinklytoes DH is working in the centre of Oxford at the uni so he has a bike which he leaves at the train station so save a bit of time as he is doing the commute all the way from rugby Shock
he could start around 10am but apparently to get those fares you need to get a ticket on the day and the Qs are massive, is this true?

thanks for all your help again!

OP posts:
ThePrisoner · 21/01/2011 18:36

number1 - I have sent you a private message, I can answer all of your questions but will wait until I am sure you have my message Smile

twinklytoes · 22/01/2011 21:07

hi there stranger Grin

my mum always gets the 920 to reading via oxford and never talks of queues. she has sometimes gone and bought her ticket the night before and always pays £10 rtn.

ThePrisoner · 23/01/2011 00:28

I have it on very good authority that there are no queues either.

twinklytoes · 24/01/2011 22:16
Grin
Original poster
number1 · 24/01/2011 22:53

DH has been told that the Qs are for the 8.55 one, apparently the first off peak train. He has also been told that the 9.20 is always late and he can't get into work after 10a.m. Men and their dramas, nothing is ever easy with them....

theprisioner got your PM I will reply to you now via PM too

Went to see Smart Tots, it was fine but not much natural light.... Kind of felt sorry for ds2 getting stuck in there 5 days a week

Going to see the horton in february

I'll keep u both posted. I know this sounds daft but I feel as if I already have some support in banbury! Tee hee

OP posts:
twinklytoes · 31/01/2011 21:53

men! I will quiz my mother more about the lateness of trains.

glad the visits are going ok. am sure TP will be a big help too.

when do you do the move? always up for meeting for a coffee with the dcs. I've got older girls but also a DS who's 2.5.

Original poster
number1 · 15/03/2011 19:36

hi twinklytoes, I never saw this post from you. Sorry for not responding. house sale turned into a nightmare then we had poorly boys and we are now finally moving to banbury on friday. a bit of mixed emotions but quite excited at the same time. I would definitely be keen to meet up for a coffee with the little ones. I have heard that rugrats and half pints is a good place to go with the dcs. I will PM once we are settled, is that OK with you?

OP posts:
twinklytoes · 27/03/2011 14:22

hope the move went well and you're finding your feet.

rugrats is a good meeting point, thought starting to get a bit expensive.

will await a pm.

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