why did you choose the nursery your child goes to?

9 replies

ljones848 · 15/08/2012 12:29

I am student doing an early years education degree. I am interested to know why parents chose the nursery their child goes to? I found myself assuming the reasons rather than asking them. anyone who is willing to share, thank you in advance.

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babybouncer · 15/08/2012 19:34

I've used 2 nurseries. The first made the short list because of its location, then I chose it because it felt so friendly and caring when I went to visit. I was also heavily influenced by the fact 2 other friends' kids were booked to start there as well.
We moved ds when we moved house to the local nursery. Although this was mostly for practical reasons, it seemed nice when we visited and all of the new local friends used it - so it was both recommended and a key to being part of the local community. However, we would have left ds at the first nursery if we hadn't liked the local one.
HTH

Nevercan · 15/08/2012 21:03

I chose the nursery because it was close to home, nice/qualified staff, friendly feel, healthy meal menu, all sitting down together to eat, good ofsted report, extended hours so they can do 8am-6pm while I work for two days a week

Banderchang · 15/08/2012 21:33

We chose ours because it had:

Low turnover of staff
Small number of children (around 25 in total)
Village setting with lots of forest walks, garden centre outings, etc
Personal recommendations
We had to send meals so would still be able to ensure healthy eating

It's not close to home or work and looks quite scruffy from the outside, but we love it and DS is so happy there.

Pozzled · 15/08/2012 21:38

Location, cost and the facilities were all quite important (very impressed with the spacious rooms and lovely garden area). But most important was the feel of the place- staff were friendly, and it felt happy and welcoming. It was new when we applied for a place, so no ofsted report etc to go on, but my instincts were right and it has been excellent.

BikeMedalsRunningMedals · 15/08/2012 21:48

We only looked at one, when DS was 3 weeks old. We looked at it because it was close. We chose it because it was friendly, clean, lovely vibe, nice food, outdoor space and good links with village primary. And a good price. Basically, nothing not to like. DS has been there nearly 3 years, DD will start soon.

Scarredbutnotbroken · 15/08/2012 22:04

I got a head start. When I was pg with dd1 I helped a service user choose a nursery so I knew what was local. I had already rejected what is call enforced fun nursery - too much bright colour, plastic and soft play stuff. I also rejected a small friendly nursery which was lovely except for the pets. I live animals but it had a giant rabbit loose and a god I can't spell it, small handbag dog favoured by Essex girls.
My dm, a special needs teacher, is v keen on montessori and insisted I looked for one locally. We went to visit it and I was completely sold. The nursery is calm and sedately decorated with no overpowering themes. I couldn't get over the kids, they were so calm but also very confident a friendly and keen to explain what they were doing (the older ones I mean - it goes up to 5). The other nurseries were so hectic in comparison. I also liked it because it's tiny - it has about 30 kids including the babies. There is only room for 6 babies including dd at the time. I also asked about staff turnover. It has the usual young nursery nurses but it's family run by a couple who are retired teachers and their 3 adult children of which at least one is there all the time.

I was reassured in my choice because Montessori is a structured, recognisable practice.

Dd has been there 2 years now and I'm v happy with my choice hope that was helpful

allnewtaketwo · 15/08/2012 22:08

Several things, someone of a 'feeling'. But would say;
Feel of the place
Child centric feel
Looked so much fun rather than just childcare
Homely
Happy staff and low turnover
Excellent ofsted
Super enthusiastic owner-manager
Independent rather than chain
Staff not all teenagers

Sabriel · 15/08/2012 22:43

The first one because it felt right. The older kids all came out to have a look at us and weren't frightened to speak to DH. The staff all seemed to be a bit older too. (We looked at one nursery where all the staff looked about 17, nobody smiled or spoke to us and the kids looked terrified).

Then we moved (200 miles) and we chose the one with the enormous garden

Mum2Fergus · 16/08/2012 21:55

We visited 10 from memory, and opted for the first one we visited. Initial visit was due to its proximity to home/work...but once there, it just felt right. In the end it came down to 2...final selection made due to length of service of the staff. All but 1 had been there more than 10 years! Have never regretted decision

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