Its early but ... any recommendations for nursery in South Cambs (Caldecote/ Cambourne area) or nanny share??

[hickers33]

Hi all

I'm only due to go back to work in the summer, but starting to think about childcare for my little girl as I'm guessing the best places will have a waiting list. I've had a look at the childcarelinks site & the lists of nurseries & childminders in my local area (Caldecote/ South Cambs) is endless! Does anyone have any recommendations for nurseries in this area please?

I've also been thinking about a nanny share, mostly to make sure my daughter gets some company (and learns to share!) and to share the costs. I wondered if anyone was interested in this in my area or if anyone had any experience of a nanny share please?

Any information much appreciated. Thanks :-)

Hello,
I have just been through all this - we live in Cambourne. My eldest was with a childminder but she is now on maternity leave so I needed somewhere for both DS1 and 2.

I have finally settled on Kids Unlimited at Addenbrooke's but that is really because a) DH works there so we get discount/tax relief by paying through his wages and b) as he works there it is more convenient as my job could take me anywhere (if I had a job - but that is another story!!)

The good ones all have very long waiting lists I found - especially any city centre ones. I liked Patacake on Malta road - it was lovely but no room for ages. I also loved Scallywags in Westwick but it turned out not only more expensive for us but we wouldn't have been able to collect the boys til after 6 due to our work and the nursery location which was a shame.

My thread is this one and has lots of suggestions on it

here

As for a nanny share - I would've been interested had I not just sorted out the nursery - but may still be depending on what happens with my work.

Give me an e mail if you want about the cambourne nursery (just learning). Don't really want to put it on a public forum. kpotts at hotmail dot com

Hi

Thanks so much for your reply - its a nightmare trying to figure out what to do. I was reading your thread yesterday which is what prompted me to start one about this area. I work in huntingdon so city centre is not really an option. Which is a pity as I know there are some good nurseries there. Think I might try to meet some childminers in the local area & see if I "click" with anyone. We probably have the similar thoughts about the cambourne nursery, but I'll email you this off this forum - thanks for the offer!

Hickers, do you know about Opportunity Links? There's a childcare search at:

www.opportunity-links.org.uk/mapsearch.asp

Obviously this doesn't give you opinions etc. but it is a useful starting point.

There is also a free Family Directory produced by Cambs CC: "A highly recommended directory of
childcare facilities; toy libraries; parent and toddler groups; library services
and lots of other child-related information". You can get your free copy by calling the County Council on 01954 273360. Occasionally they remember to put a PDF online as well but it's quite hard to find.

Thanks for the tip - I'll give the council a call as it sounds good. Had forgotten about that website, I was using childcarelinks.gov.uk so I'll have a look at that one now.
Thanks again

Hi Hickers. My son went to Bumpkins at Whaddon (South of you, so probably in in the wrong direction) and it was brill. He was there from 11 month to 4 when he stated school this year. Staff were alway very caring, nice homely atmosphere and I would recommend it.

Thanks for the suggestion - its a bit further than I was looking for, but good to have as a back-up if nothing else "fits".