Which nursery would you go for?

[Gangle]

Trying to decide between 2 nurseries for DS1, 2.8. One is almost opposite our house but is more like a pre-school in that it is only open 9 - 12pm and not during holidays etc. The hours are not a problem as we'll have a nanny for DS2 and I only want him to do mornings anyway although may build up to full days if he likes it. My main reservation is the premises - under 3 they are literally in quite a small dark room for that 3 hour session with no access to outside space. Other pluses are cost, it's fairly cheap and his best friend with whom he used to share a nanny is also going there. The other nursery he could go to provides full day care, although we don't actually need this, and has amazing facilities (different themed rooms, huge green space, computers etc) and access to playgrounds and I just felt the atmosphere was more lively and that he'd enjoy it more, however, it costs almost double the price! He would still do just mornings there. Sending him to this one even for just 2 mornings and employing a nanny will be a stretch but I think I would rather this than send him to somewhere where I think he'll be bored. What do others think? Incidentally, the first nursery is Montessori so maybe I am not fully understanding the concepts behind this teaching method. The atmosphere was very calm, quiet even, and there didn't seem to be much going on or many toys, equipment, but maybe this is just part of Montessori teaching? My LO is very energetic so maybe a quiet atmosphere would be good for him?

The day nursery sounds a much nicer place! Plus, if the preschool is ofsted registered they really must have access to outdoor play so another reason to choose the day nursery. I wouldn't want my little ones in a dark room for 3 hours - sounds like torture!

The day nursery sounds a much nicer place! Plus, if the preschool is ofsted registered they really must have access to outdoor play so another reason to choose the day nursery. I wouldn't want my little ones in a dark room for 3 hours - sounds like torture!

Anyone else?

Personally I would go for the 3 hour one - surely it can't be all that dark and dingy if it is Ofsted registered? My child spends more than 3 hours at a stretch indoors with me, and my house is a shoebox. What a child needs from a nursery at this age is kids to play with (more likely to fight with though!) and some physical/ mental/ intellectual stimulation. Ask for a copy of the Ofsted report for the nursery - if it is anything above "Satisfactory" rating - then I would feel that the convenience is worth it. Maybe consider moving to the other nursery when he's older?

The day nursery pre-school IS Ofsted registered and it's report does in fact mention a small outside space though I didn't see this when I visited and the 2 other parents I know who send their kids there say it doesn't have outside space?? Am in a complete dilemma over what to do. The teachers at the pre school seemed lovely and mature and ages 3+ are all together which I know DS would love and really benefit from. I also called the day nursery and they just sounded really corporate and less intimate - they have nearly 100 kids whereas the pre-school has only 26! The pre-school seems a more low key introduction to nursery but the lack of outside space and other facilities are a big problem. Any other opinions>

If you can afford it then send him to the better one! Even if you couldn't afford it i would still do my best to get my DC into the better one (there are always cut backs that can be made elsewhere).

I think you have kinda answered your own question and know what is best for your child, am i right? Sometimes just writing it can make it seem more clear.

Boring, dark, dull and cheap nursery or
Exciting, fun lots of space but more expensive nursery?

Maybe the other one is cheaper for a reason!!

Thanks all. I decided to go for 2 mornings at the more expensive one. DS has only done 2 weeks but seems to enjoy it and I'm quite impressed with most aspects of the nursery However, i think DS would ideally do 3 or even 4 mornings per week at nursery which this will work out massively expensive so I was wondering whether I could send him to the cheap one for one or two mornings or would attending two nurseries be really confusing for him?

Don't forget that the term after he turns 3, he'll get 15 hours free funding which will bring your bill right down.

attending two settings can work, dd2 does and its fine but she attends nursery and a cm.

I would wait untill he gets the free hours and then up his hours there I wouldnt like a setting with no outside space

If he is only going for 3 hours in the mornings, then can't you just take him to the park in the afternoons to give him outdoor time then? If he were going to be at nursery from 8-6 then I agree the lack of outdoor space would be a problem, but for 3 hours, I fail to see the issue. Like div22c says, when I have dd at home with me, we often go more than 3 hours at a time staying indoors. Given the cost, convenience, and the presence of his best friend, I really don't see how the preschool is a less desirable choice.

I was in a similar situation last year and I chose the cheaper and more flexible option which I now regret as I spent all my time at work worrying about him. He is now at a nursery (which is more expensive) but I leave him with the peace of mind that he is happy and his imagination is stretched every day. He is also very active and intelligent and the last childcare he had they didnt do anything with him. I think the difference in money is worth it for him to be happy and to learn and for me to be happier when I leave him and not to worry all day.