Sparkies vs Oaktree nursery school

[namstoto]

Hi

We are looking for a nursery school for our boy to start when he is 2 and a half years old. The two schools where we are likely to get a place for Jan 2017 are Sparkies and Oaktree. Oaktree had an outstanding rating but has undergone some management changes etc and has a bit too large basement room for starters. Sparkies has a good but not outstanding rating but seems to have a beautiful nursery room and kids seemed to be really enjoying themselves when I visited. Does any one have experience or would recommend either ? We are also considering moving to Marmalade Caterpillar later if need be provided we get a slot (in the waiting list).

Thanks a ton for your help in advance !!

Oaktree is a great nursery. Only downside is lack of outside space.
I wouldn't worry about the mgmt. changes. The staff are the same. Only change was the old owner sold it to the lady who has been running it on day to day basis for a long time

Friends have used Sparkies and were happy. Said the admin was a bit rubbish

Marmalade has a great reputation too

Marmalade is fantastic. Both my kids went there and I really can't praise it enough so I would go for it if you do get a space.

In the meantime I've only ever heard good things from people who've used Oaktree. Don't know Sparkies I'm afraid.

I also viewed Oaktree and Marmalade. Both Lovely nurseries. To throw a spanner in the works and add in more choice, I also viewed a nursery called the Crescent I and II Kindergarten which is just a bit further up on Trinity Road. Its a hidden gem. I visited only last week and have decided that is the one for us! There are a lot of wonderful nurseries in Balham!

What kind of nursery school do you want OP? And have you visited them? There is quite a big range in terms of ethos and style.

Sparkies is very "free play" based, it's a big room and a big garden with various toys/activities on offer and the children can choose what to do. The staff supervise and make suggestions to extend play but that's it I think. Not much in the way of a routine or anything school like (eg learning to mark make and then to write, phonics) till the second year (and then not much).

Marmalade Caterpillar by contrast seems much more like reception year at school, a fairly set daily routine in a much smaller space, lots of phonics, lots of school plays, set activities (eg Tues they all make a clay hedgehog, Weds they all collage an autumn scene etc).

I don't know much about Oaktree save that it has a good rep, but guess it's closer to the MC model than the Sparkies model? (but a visit would tell you more).

So it really depends what sort of pre school you want?

(Disclaimer: DD is at Marmalade Caterpillar. It's fab but we knew we wanted a more 'educational' nursery so it fits).