Looking for great nursery in Fiveways

[juemmie]

Hi there

We are moving to Fiveways in August and are currently checking out nurseries in the area for our 3.5 year old daughter. She is currently at a montessori in n london which she loves. It will be hard to leave so am eager to find another nursery that provides a stimulating and creative environment and is really child focused.

We so far have visited the montessori near blakers park and Growing up green on Preston Drove. Both looked good but am finding it hard to know. Maybe just don't know any background or word of mouth info on them. The Montessori seems lovely but they stipulate 5 mornings a week which seems too much what with school looming up in a year. Growing up green is more flexible and she could do 2.5 days which is what she currently does in London.

Just wondered if anyone had children at either of these or knew of any other nurseries worth looking at for a September place.

I love the ethos of montessori but am open to other nurseries. Growing up green has an outstanding ofsted.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks

Juemmie

I know quite a few little ones at GUGreen, all positive feedback; viewed it myself for DS. Liked it, but chose another (Pumpkin Patch also Preston Drove) because more outside space and just felt the atmosphere right for him. (Ofsted at PP "only" good, all others I saw were outstanding, but sometimes I think it's more about the feel of the place?)

Lots of positives about Early Years in Harrington Rd? (No space when I needed to put DS in)

Good luck

I am not sure there are any 'bad' nurseries around Fiveways! I have heard good things about:
Fiveways (Florence Rd)
Strawberry Hill/Joyland (Grantham Road)
Growing Up Green/Pumpkin Patch (Preston Drove)
PlayStation (Ditchling Road)
Montessori (Stanford Ave)

I think it is not about making the 'wrong' choice, but choosing on that fits with you - so visit as many as you can. They are all good, but have different styles iykwim.

If you are thinking ahead about continuity, you might want to think about those which also offer after-school care (ie Fiveways/Montessori/Joyland) too, assuming your DD will be starting school in just over a year

Have you heard about Little Earthworms opposite Hollingbury Park? Looks and sounds amazing - very eco friendly and met lovely manager today! Check out their website...wish it had been open when my son was going to one in that area.

Have heard great things about Fiveways on florence road. I met the manager of little earth worms on a course recently, I haven't been to the setting but she did seem lovely and very keen to provide best possible care for children there.

DS goes to Pumpkin Patch on Preston Drove and he loves it there (moved after being v unsettled at Early Years on Harrington Road). Though disclaimer is he's 20 months and i don't know what the preschool section is like.

Hello - I too have just moved to 5 ways from Kent over the summer hols - I have a girl (nearly 3 yrs) who we have placed at Joyland for now as it's just around the corner from my house and I needed to keep it easy as I am 6 months pregnant. I will be going to the Montessori open afternoon this month as that is possibly more suited to my daughter but she can't start there till Jan anyway. Joyland currently seems very homely and run by mature women which I like.
let me know what you have ended up doing!!

Little Oaks has opened recently on Stanford Avenue. My daughter loves it there, the staff are great with the children, lots of nice creative activities, messy play etc.