Pre-schools & nurseries - Poets Corner, Hove

[Poppywink]

Hello, I am wondering if anyone has had experience of nurseries or pre-schools in and around Poets Corner, Hove or along New Church road? I have looked at a few and the more I see the more confused I get! Still a bit nervous about leaving my baby (toddler) all day! I have yet to look at any pre-schools though and wonder how these differ? The hours are shorter and they are definitely cheaper, does much else differ in terms of activities. Would love to hear your views. Thanks in advance

Ours (well just the younger one now) go to one on New Church Road. I looked at a few around that area and like you got more and more confused, but I got 'a feeling' from ours so we went with it.
If you are considering pre schools I think most only operate term time only, not a problem if you can manage the childcare gaps but trickier if you need year round cover, pre schools attached to private nurseries are year round. They all follow the EYFS so there shouldn't be much difference in terms of activities/learning.
The bonus (if this applies) of a pre school attached to the school your dc would likely attend is that the transition to school can be easier as they are on the same site, so friends tell me anyway. Obviously this only applies if you can be certain of getting a place at that school!
Good luck

Hello Poppywink,
both my children (1 and 3 yrs) go to Young Sussex on Portland Road and are very happy there. My daughter started when she was 11 month old. She has learnt so much is a reallyhappy, confident and well behaved little girl now who has made some really strong friendships at nursery. She is now in the pre-school room Dragonflies which she absolutely loves. Helen, the pre-school teacher is brilliant and the other staff are lovely too! She has been known to want to go in on a Sunday!

Young Sussex has lots of outside space (for each age group), lots of activities on offer every day and they organise visits from professionals free of charge. My daughter loved the Chinese Cooking Classes, farm visit (they got to feed the lambs!) and the monthly music and movement class seems to be a hit with her too. But really she just enjoys painting, making, playing in the mud kitchen outside and learning.
My little one has quickly settled into his new day too and holds out his chubby arms to the nursery staff for a cuddle when I drop him off. Really could not ask for more.

They also offer flexible sessions which works well for me (half days/schoold days/full days etc) and have just introduced session swaps too. No more paying for sessions when you are going on holiday :-). It is going to save quite a few £££

If you have not yet seen it do check it out, the manager Sherrie is lovely
www.youngsussex.co.uk

Their facebook page gives you a good feel for activities/the nursery too:
www.facebook.com/youngsussex

Also, this website is helpful too, it has a post code search and shows parent reviews/pictures

www.daynurseries.co.uk

Good luck!