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Original poster

Advice on day nurseries in Corstorphine area

11 replies

LittleDoe · 30/03/2009 18:22

Hello. I was wondering if anyone has used either the Asquith Nursery (at the David Lloyd leisure centre on Glasgow Rd) or Croileagan Nursery (on Featherhall Avenue) or knew of anyone who has?

Our first baby is due in July so we're at the early stages of trying to choose / book a nursery place (we won't need it until next April but are trying to be organised!).

We've visited both nurseries and they both seemed pretty good, but being first timers we don't really know what we're looking for....! Croileagan is about £10 cheaper a day but this is partly because you need to provide your baby's food (whereas Asquith provides food).

It would be good to hear from anyone who has used these nurseries, and your general thoughts on them if you don't mind.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

liath · 30/03/2009 19:33

I've used the creche at David Lloyd which is within the nursery and uses the same staff and haven't had any problems. Good luck, it's hard (and slightly surreal) trying to choose a nursery before a baby's even born.

lottiepetal · 31/03/2009 23:12

hi
I have used both nurserys asquith nursery about two years ago and i am familiar with some of the staff. I would avoid it. I am a working mum and very familiar with various nursery's and standards of care.My son was very unhappy there. I DONT want to go into details but it was extremly poor. We experienced a number of problems with it.
Croileagan is better for older children 2 up but fascilities are poor. My mum an ex nurse and health visitor and was concerned at some points regarding care of 0 to 2.
I would try the Birrel or there was a good one in stockbridge or the one at westend/haymarket. Birrel was excellant.

Original poster

LittleDoe · 01/04/2009 21:56

Ok, thanks for that, much appreciated. We'll have a look at some others too.

OP posts:

bookswapper · 01/04/2009 22:09

I looked at the Asquith and liked it very much. I did not like paying £40 to go on the waiting list (and its non-refundable if you don't take the place!) My friend has sent her child there for years and is very happy with the care.

I didn't like Croilegan for a baby. A small dark baby room. The older kids looked happy though!

The Murrayfield has a good reputation and is popular. I have heard that part time places are few and far between, with some parents resorting to paying for a whole week but only using some of the days But check that out as this was a few years ago.

There is a new nursery just opened next to the Maybury Casino called Jigsaw. It is small and seems very cheerful! I was considering that one (the company runs another nursery in Balerno that is very well regarded).

CaroDon · 20/04/2009 16:38

hi - this is actually my first post on here, joined AGES ago, but not had a chance to log on and actually be a part of it all so hello!

Just wanted to say that my daughter is at Murrayfield part time, and has been since she was 9 months. She is really, really happy.

They have excellent facilities, and resources, and a very caring team. It is so daunting looking for somewhere, I don't envy you, I went to look at 10 nurseries in total before I shortlisted 2.

good luck with your search xx

circlesquare · 25/04/2009 20:46

I also know people who are very happy with the Murrayfield. My DC have been to Bright Sparks, which is just down the road from the Murrayfield, and have been very happy there, too - I'd personally recommend it.

But all nurseries are different and what parents want from nurseries is different, too, so you really can't beat going into a place, talking to the people, getting a vibe, and deciding that way. I know you have to get things sorted soonish, but perhaps you could put your name down for a couple of good candidates now (although that would cost £50 or so), and then go along again when your baby has arrived and is a bit older and you've a clearer idea about their personality and how you want them to be cared for?

Freckles7 · 30/04/2009 12:02

We looked at Croileagan just the other day and we both couldn't believe some of the conditions. Particularly the 'shed' the babies have to sleep in! Also, one month deposit that you don't get back until they leave nursery....not good when your not on a payroll!

I will only put Jac in there if we really have exhausted every other nursery in the area!

Debs

Original poster

LittleDoe · 01/05/2009 21:18

Thanks everyone, really helpful.

Freckles - yes, on reflection, I'd kind of agree with you re Croileagan. Don't think baby will be going there.

Going to look at both Jigsaw (on Turnhouse Rd) and Bright Sparks (off Balgreen Rd) this coming Thursday. Should then hopefully be able to make up our minds! Getting quite a good feeling about Jigsaw at the moment but location is less ideal than the others as would need to go out of town to come back in to go to work! Oh well, we're only looking for childcare for 2 days a week so might not be so bad....

Oh, and also bumped into an old colleague who uses Asquith now for her daughter and is very happy with the childcare there. Getting quite positive vibes about that place.

OP posts:

HariboGuzzler · 28/05/2009 20:20

Did you decide on a place yet LittleDoe?

I'm not sure how far in advance I need to look for a nursery - I'm not due until Dec, so won't need one until next autumn but I've heard lots of horror stories about waiting lists. Any idea when I'd have to start looking (will be Corstorphine area)?

Babyramone · 29/05/2009 10:10

Just wanted to add I sent my DS to Croileagan and was very happy with it. I wasn't overly worried by the "SHED" (after all some nurseries have beeen known to put babies outside to sleep) .
Tbh this was 5 years ago but the thing that swung it for me was the staff. I am a nursery nurse and heard through the grapevine some of the forementioned nurseries had a high turn over. Croileagan on other hand had several settled long term staff.
Now no idea what situation is like now and by no means saying anyone should choose a nursery they get poor vibes with but it might be a good idea to check the staffing.
I wanted DS to have regular carer.

Having said that I really liked Asquith.

poppins2 · 18/08/2012 11:16

Had a look round Jigsaw and I was concerned that they seem to have built more nursery buildings in the already small garden. There is now little place for the children to play. They appear to be trying to cram as many children in as possible. Also worried about being located in such a busy traffic area. Has anyone got a view.

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