Help me to decide which nursery to pick...

[papillonrouge]

I CANNOT make up my mind! Driving myself mad.

Nursery 1: close to home, logistically much more sensible for both me and DH, Ofsted 2 all the way through, 4 of my close friends (whose opinions I respect) are sending their babies there, 3 other mothers I have met at baby groups have used it and like it...BUT...DH and I both have reservations, thought it was mucky, the staff looked grupmy and not engaged. Something felt a bit wrong.

Nursery 2: logistically a nightmare (20 minutes onto my journey to and from work, 30 minutes onto DH's), also Ofsted 2 all the way through, no friends going there (so no possible support with pick ups/drop offs), not in our area...BUT...DH and I loved it, lovely environment, staff looked happy and engaged, activities looked super well organised and facilitated. It just felt right.

I feel like nursery 1 makes so much more sense and that I must be being picky as it is so well respected but my gut is telling me nursery 2. If I pick nursery 2 though, I am worried the extra travel will really get us both down and we'll regret it in the long run. Arrrgh! Any thoughts welcome.

Nursery 2 if you like your children, Nursery 1 if you don't.

Well yes Tiggy, that's what I would say too normally, but I can't believe that my three friends and the three mothers I have met don't like their children! I have actually even wondered whether it is a bit of a herd mentality thing in that if one person says it is good others believe it to be too regardless of what is in front of them (which, afterall, is what I am in danger of doing!)

How many times did you visit nursery 1? It sounds in some ways better, apart from your impressions when you visited? Maybe if you only saw it once it might be worth another visit to check if it is as you remembered it.

Twice - the first time I actually thought it was ok, it was the second time with DH that created the doubts - he wasn't at all impressed and I saw things that hadn't been as evident the previous time. We have also visited nursery 2 twice and both times thought it excellent.

It sounds just like the choice I had to make. Exactly same situation. I picked nursery 1, local and friends sent their kids there, but grotty. He hated it. Wish I had gone with my instinct. Moved him in Jan to nursery 2 which he loves. Really, go with your gut instinct. Every day I have to walk 30mins there and 30 mins back - so crap for me- but I have peace of mind because I know he is happy...

Nobody thinks they have sent their child to a crap nursery though! I have worked in a crap nursery and all the parents said how much they loved it, their kids loved it etc. But it was a miserable place really.

Even if secretly they had some reservations, they wouldn't admit to you that they send their children somewhere not very nice anyway.

Very true RitaM.

Very true indeed!

Your experience is interesting glitterkitty, it would be better to have the piece of mind

duh - rushing as tea ready, peace of mind!

Hey Pap, hope it helps. I def wish I had gone with my instince but thats just my experience.

Peace of mind is a worth its weight in gold, honestly. Prising a crying 3yr old off your leg everey day and walking home in tears knowing he is unhappy is no way to spend your precious leisure time.