Islington Nursery

[Leila2022]

Having so many problems finding a nursery and pre school place in Islington

Here is where I have already looked and my comments added regarding my personal thoughts

Am I being too picky ? Any suggestions and experiences will be welcomed

Thornhill - for preschool and reception- liked the school but found it a bit underwhelming regards the nursery … intake of children seemed nice and balanced

The Gower - Nursery - did not like it at all … just a bad vibe cannot put my finger on what it was I did not like

Kate Greenaway - they have a new head teacher -I previously viewed when old head was there… seemed a bit impersonal now and still do not know what to make of the windows of peoples homes being very close to the nursery garden

Bemerton - amazing staff, felt welcoming… I didn’t like where it was if I’m honest … any feedback appreciated

Beckett House - gets outstanding ofsted, lovely people but no sufficient out door space … know people who sent their children there but again is it worth it ? What is so special about that this nursery ?

Moreland - amazing new building but again feed back appreciated… don’t know much else other than poor ofsted a few years back

kings cross academy - amazing building, amazing location… have heard directly from many parents that they are looking to remove their children from this school - why ???

Winton - … I didn’t like it at all, location did not like at all and had poor impression of the nursery - didn’t see the school at all

William Tynsdale - loved it but out of catchment

Any other recommendations pls or feedback … finding this quite a stressful process

Our son goes to Beckett House and he has really blossomed. Its Montessori so really focus on the individual traits of the kids.
Its also family run, so not so profit driven, so they are more chilled. The teachers are very patient and open to parent's feedback. I have seen them change things because of our suggestions which was nice.
In re. outdoor space, they often go to the local park a few minutes away. It doesn't seem to be a problem.
I don't know about the other ones but we have had no regrets about Beckett House... lovely safe supportive environment for our son.

Hi, have you looked at Dallington? Their early years are fantastic.

Hello @halton95 please can I ask more about Beckett House as we are looking at it. I am glad to hear the lack of outside space doesn't seem to be a problem as this was a concern. Are you happy with the level of parent updates/feedback/photos etc you get from the nursery? I know they don't use an App like some of the more 'modern' nurseries. Thank you!

Yeah, i thought the updates were fine... it was easy to chat to the staff at drop off and pick up and they kept a big file record of his activities, progress and photos.
I know it won't be as immediate as the APP in more modern nurseries, but because of the low pupil to staff ratios, you knew your children were getting a lot of personalised attention, much more than other nurseries i believe. It FELT safe and attentive.
I would go visit, get a feel for the place, the staff and the other kids there, i go with your instincts... if you do choose Beckett House i think you'll be happy with your choice.

Hi, hope you've found a nursery you are happy with. If you are still looking, do consider (and visit) Hanover Primary. The nursery is great, with lots of outdoor space and free-flow access, lunch cooked on site and dedicated staff.

In Islington (like in the whole of central London) primary schools which used to be oversubscribed now have places for children outside of the catchment area. So you can consider more schools now!

It's been a while but we loved Aberdeen Park Nursery. Very creative place with huge garden and lovely staff

Hi Sorry for the long awaited reply and update … I got locked out of MN

I actually went with Beckett House as the other poster suggested … it’s a great little nursery ! It’s family run, therefore not like a business as you get with a lot of other nurseries. My little one has really thrived there ! The outdoor space thing … ideally there would be … but they make up for that with so many other things. It’s also a calm environment too and all the children are happy and polite! I really recommend it !

as far as reception goes …. I am applying now …. When you say there is lots of spaces now - due to Brexit and Covid …. Does that mean WT could be on the cards ? I live about 0.8 miles from WT. …

I think Thornhill is about 0.6 miles … Cannonbury is about the same … (I’m giving away where I live here) Hanover is further and high Myddleton is furthest away

could I have a chance to get into any of those given my distance ? My nearest is a big no no !

I did… it’s a great school… I am thinking to send little one for primary , if I don’t get into a good one … but wanted to ideally send to a good state primary and save up for a private upper school or a grammar school … but I know grammar schools are very competitive in London

Have you looked at Hugh Myddelton?

It’s furthest from me and I haven’t - but with outstanding it’s a good option I guess -

I just wanted to know the chances of being accepted - are there really that many vacancies now ?

I meant to say accepted in a school that wouldn’t have been possible before ?

https://www.islington.gov.uk/~/media/sharepoint-lists/public-records/educationandskills/information/adviceandinformation/20232024/primary-school-admissions-booklet-20242025-accessible-version.pdf

look at page 25 for cut off distances…

even with less kids in the area, the best schools are still oversubsribed… you’d need to get very lucky looking at the stats

Hi

But it doesn’t work like that exactly … that applies to the “first round of offers”.

Most Parents who apply for private schools also apply for a state school place … and will apply for several options

I keep being told there is lots of movement in Islington regarding schools … at the second round of offers that happens 4-8 weeks after the first offer in April.

m I have a friend who lives 0.82 miles from WT and was offered a place and got it in September this year … so just wanted to hear about this xx

Dallington School has a lower nursery which children can start when they are 3. We moved our son there from nursery, because we felt he wasn’t getting that much stimulation at nursery school, and we wanted a bit more for him. Dallington school has been fantastic. They take the kids out everyday, and often they have outings to the theatre, museums, etc.You won’t find a better teacher for kids than Eileen, who runs the lower nursery and reception programs. My son literally runs into school every day. And as for academics, my son who is 5 can already tell time, loves to read, is interested in everything and loves school. What more could you ask for!

For the nursery I went with Beckett House - I am now looking for a reception place.

my ideal plan was to send Little One to a State Primary - so I could save more for a private secondary … however that is granted I get into one I like … if not I do think I will end up going with Dallignton - I have already applied for Sept 2024.