Mickland PreSchool or Hemdean House Nursery School

[SearchSquad]

I have very recently moved to Reading (Luscinia View, near Tesco Extra) and am looking for preschools for my DS 2.5 years old. I have not been schooled in the UK and have no idea about the schooling system here.

So far we've got acceptance offers from Mickland PreSchool (Ofsted outstanding, state) & Hemdean House (independent, good ISI Inspection report).

School fees for Hemdean House doesn't amount to much right now because of Early Years Funding which DS will get once he is 3 years old.

Does anyone here have any idea about these two schools? I can really use some guidance, esp. since we don't know a single local person here with school going kids. Thank You!

Hi SearchSquad,

I am exactly in the same situation that you were in. Could you please let us know what you decided in the end ? We are also in Luscinia View :)

Many thanks!

My DD went to Newbridge so I don't have personal experience but I know people who were very happy with Micklands and, if you are in that catchment, Micklands is one of the most improved primary schools in the area - it came second in the league tables last year, behind St Martin's.

It is a hard decision - I let my DD 'lead'. We visited the potentials and spent some time there to see how she liked them and to get a proper 'feel' for the different places.

In the end, for nursery and primary school choices, I didn't consider tables and so on - as long as they have Ofsted 'good', you should probably base it on the 'vibe' you get from the place - are the staff happy, are the children relaxed, is it a nice space and then on convenience.

Best of luck, not that you'll need it as we are extremely lucky in Caversham - most (nearly all) our school are very good.