Just thought I would update this thread as in the end we chose Mount Carmel Kindergarten for my son - he has just finished his first term there.
Well, where to start - he LOVES it and is so happy there. He asks to go to nursery literally every single day - in fact, I have to tell him it's shut on the days he doesn't go, otherwise he gets really upset!
We looked around all the really good nurseries in St.A and this one was head and shoulders above the rest. If the other nurseries are also rated outstanding, Ofsted should reconsider their rankings as Mount Carmel really is in a completely different league to them.
I would describe Mount Carmel almost like a mini school - the children look utterly adorable in their little uniforms holding their bags and skipping happily into 'class'. It's evident they have very high standards and rules, but are in no way strict or stuffy.
For example, children are expected to tidy up after themselves, wash their hands, say please and thank you, be independent, but staff will equally hug and embrace the children and are absolutely incredible with them. Role plays, creative play, hide and seek in the garden - they really do get down to their level and make everything so much fun, but at the same time are so gentle and nurturing with the children.
I don't think I've ever dropped or picked ds up and not been greeted by the door being flung open by the staff who are (genuinely) absolutely delighted to see him. You can just tell they all really do love their jobs and are so passionate and excited to see the children. I also think whatever 'type' of child you have, they bring out the best in them and encourage and support each individual 'character'.
Some 'outstanding' nurseries we looked around, the staff looked fed up, bored and sadly, there was almost a depressing feel to them. Here, there is so much happiness, laughter and love - we felt this after about a minute of first walking through the door on our initial visit.
My son literally runs into his classroom, without even a backward look at Mummy! When I picked him up during his first week (they settled him beautifully btw, a very smooth process - I expected him to be upset that I was leaving him but he wasn't bothered at all!) I was utterly astounded to see him sitting in a circle singing and following instructions (this was a boy that would always refuse to sit down and would have me chasing after him at toddler groups!)
Sessions are split into different sections - freeplay, time outside regardless of weather (coats on, bundled out), there's a huge back garden with lots of facilities (excellent for boys!), art, drawing, puzzles, storytime, exercise in the gym, special visits from animals, little extras etc, and then singing and music time at the end.
What I particularly love about Mount Carmel is despite the energy and stimulation there, there is also structure, order and a feeling of calmness when you walk through the door. This then means the children are happy, relaxed and confident during their sessions and subsequently achieve and do lots because they are so contented in their lovely surroundings.
Other nurseries we visited, despite having very good reputations, were almost manic, lots of shouting, screaming and children running from room to room. I actually had a headache after one tour (and I have a very noisy, active ds, so am used to noise!)
There's also a higher than average staff to child ratio and class sizes are
deliberately kept small which we were really pleased about.
Anyway, have rambled on, but we honestly couldn't find anyone that had a bad word to say about Mount Carmel when we were researching nurseries. It seemed too good to be true, then we visited it and realised it was true, and understood just why everyone loves it so much.
Also, lots of strong feedback with parents - a little breakdown of how your dc has behaved, what they've done when you pick them up - letters sent home, parent 'afternoons', you really do feel like you are part of their little 'family'. It's the little touches too - ds bringing home seeds in a plant pot he planted, photos of him on a Christmas tree decoration, a visit from the Christmas fairy at the Christmas party, beautiful paintings and drawings that we love looking at.
Oh, and regards to the poster above who said about it becoming increasingly more religious - that's not what we have found at all and I'm certainly not aware of any 'preaching'.
Ds for example though, has just learnt about the nativity, baby jesus, charities, in a very relaxed manner as I naturally would expect him to at Christmas. Surely most parents would want their child to have awareness and appreciation of all different types of religions and theology in their formative years - all very important imo.