Hackey council nurseries

[goldenoldie]

Anyone used one? Could recommend or warn-against one?

Are council nurseries so different from private nurseries - the charges (for a full fee place) are very similar.

Should have said Hackney.....................

how old is ur child? my ds1 attends a sure start nursery that take children from 2 years!

No, I'm looking for one that takes them under 2.

hi goldenoldie. my children go to mapledene early years centre which is absolutely fantastic (except they've been closed this week, but it's all resolved now). i have nothing but praise for them, amazing care, great facilites, fab staff. oh, & organic food from waitrose! the fees are very reasonable - ds, who's 4, costs £21/day, & dd who's 7 months is £28/day.

the only downside is how hard it is to get in! you have to live within their very strict catchment area, & then even if you do it's literally a lottery for a place. but you've got nothing to lose by giving them a ring & asking. if you're not in the catchment area they might have another suggestion for you.

when ds was younger he went to a university nursery, which we were happy with, but just doesn't compare to mapledene. i have no experience of private nurseries.

good luck!

Thanks HoxtonChick - Glad you have positive things to say about Mapledene - I've heard mixed views (it being a bit 'precious', exclusive rather than inclusive, middle-class club, and so on), but reconise you can't please all the people all the time and some of the criticisms sound good to me anyway!!!

Might try my luck at the new Ann Tayler nursery whrn it is built!

the ann tayler centre is part of the same surestart area as mapledene i think, & i suspect will be as oversubscibed. good luck!

I'm sure you are right, but I know they are increasing the capacity, from a 54 to a 98 place nursery, so that might help a bit.

yes, but if you don't live in the queensbridge/dalston surestart area they won't consider you in the first place... is there anywhere nearer you?

I tried to apply for ds1 to attend at ann taylor and they said that there waiting list was 18 months
I hope you dont have to wait that long (especially if they are getting more vacancies)
Good Luck!

No, from April they are all 'children centres' and old surestart boundaries no longer matter.

ok, i might see about ds2 going there! If i can find myself a better paid job

Am trying to find out the 'new' criteria for places, and how long the waiting list is. Will post when I get it.

ty goldenoldie, will keep an eye out!

The Ann Taylor nursery won't be open in April. Building works have been delayed (surprise, surprise).

A June opening is now planned. Nursery management are unable to say how long waiting list is till nursery opens!

If not a social services case, then allocation is on a first come, first served basis. The only criteria is that child is Hackney resident.

Oh, and if you are offered a place they will only keep the offer open two weeks. I did point out that parents have to give nannies and childminders more than two weeks notice....................