Coin Street or Bright Horizons?

[skylark101]

We are choosing between Coin Street nursery in SE1 or a Bright Horizons nursery in Westminster for our DD who turns 2 this summer. Any views or advice? We really like the setting in Coin St and great outdoor space. Weren't quite sure if their approach to development is structured enough. Also OFSTED good rather than outstanding. Not sure how much to read into this. The Bright Horizons one seemed bit better organised but not such a good space and no outdoors. They have OFSTED outstanding. Staff at both seemed pretty good.

My nephew attended Coin St until he started school, my brother raved about it. My nephew loved the outdoor space and all the little outings they took the kids to locally on the Southbank, its a great location. I haven't any personal experience of it though.

My own dd attends a different nursery that has a great outdoor space and that's made a big difference to her. Its big enough that all the kids can generally be out there several times a day rather than only at a couple of alloted times. Space generally has been an important factor, my dd is the youngest in the group and not yet walking so she needs to be comfortable she won't get trampled!

I realise that this thread hasn't been used in a while but it came up when I was choosing a nursery so thought it was only fair to leave feedback for others to read. After visiting a few nurseries in the area, I chose Coin Street for my son and I think it is absolutely fabulous. My son has had so many wonderful experiences there, from ballet lessons with a professional dance company to trips to see modern art at Tate Modern and eat Chinese food in Chinatown (all at no extra cost I might add). In my opinion its far better than nurseries that charge double. He has scrambled eggs and fresh berries for breakfast and other wonderful meals cooked by the onsite chef (including homemade bread that the children help to bake). The staff are happy and motivated with very low turnover (perhaps because they are treated with respect and paid properly, this being an ethical not for profit organisation). The management are up to date with the latest theories in how to help children reach their true potential but above all, its just a happy happy place. Even the pet rabbit always looks content!