Nurseries in Pimlico, Victoria, Westminster?

[Lorelei353]

Anyone use any nurseries in this area? I'm looking at quite a few but finding it really difficult to choose one. It's so hard to know how to judge them.

I've looked at Bessborough, Bright Horizons Pimlico, Busy Bees Westminster and am going to look at Marsham Street and Kids unlimited Chelsea.

I'd really appreciate any info/experience/thoughts.

Sorry. Just saw that this thread had been resurrected. I've just sent this in PM to Pyra but for the rest of you:

We went with KidsUnlimited in Chelsea in the end. DS was starting there at 11 months for three full days a week and we wanted somewhere that didn't have to many babies in the baby room and they didn't stay there too long. At KU they only take 9 babies and they only stay in that room until about 15/16 months then go into the first toddler room. They also have fantastic outdoor space. It's horrifically expensive though.

We did really like Bessborough. DS got a place there (they've a waiting list) and it was a tough choice. We just felt that we wanted DS somewhere smaller. Every baby group I went to in the area however all I heard was how good Bessborough is. It seems to have a fantastic reputation.

Marsham Street just doesn't have much outdoor space which really put us off tbh.

Some of my NCT friends have gone with Bright Horizons near pimlico tube (Moreton st?). I liked the look of it when I saw it too and I know they're very happy with it.

The other one I saw was Busy Bees but just didn't feel any love for it or the staff there.

I really did the rounds!

We're really pleased with KU. DS (now 14 months) loves it and is always excited when we arrive. The administration there is shocking but the care in the room is great and they do lots of creative play and outdoor play. But if we hadn't gone with it, or been able to afford it, then Bessborough would've definitely been our next choice partially because I just kept hearing such good things about it.

Hope that helps but I'll keep an eye on the thread if anyone wants more info.

Hi Pyra, would you mind sharing how much Bessborough's fees are and how long the waiting list is? We need a nursery for a year's time and don't know if we've started looking too early or too late!

Hello mumsnet,

I am a Mum of 4 year old boy:) Just would like to share our experience with local nurseries we have been through recently. We wanted our son to start going somewhere part-time when he turned three. We live in Central London, Westminster area. I personally went to see the local nurseries.

1. Little House Nursery, Pimlico- non caring environment that did not complement our loving approach to our child!(forced to sleeping although clearly stated in the application and while meeting with the staff that our child does not like taking any naps; shockingly saw him crying breathing spasms (the staff called it "little tearful" ) when came to collect him earlier than usual, did not come back the following day after only a few days attending).Sent home in other child' clothes, etc. Admitted later by the Manager that the teachers were not aware of our child' needs which was even more unsatisfactory.

1. Busybees, Westminster- not engaging enough, activities not challenging, found some days quite boring; lack of relationship between the 'key person', child and parent, high turnover of the staff, no individual needs met on number of occasions admitted by the Nursery Manager (left in wet socks, soaking wet trousers or in boots for a whole day although asked couple of times to change making sure there is a spare set of clothing in the bag; teaching independence via putting shoes on wrong feet, etc.) Incompetent, impolite and ignorant present Deputy manager.

1. BrightHorizons, Chelsea- great friendly, professional and polite staff, not to mention present Manager, child engaged and very happy, lots of hands on tactile activities but also activities meeting individual needs. Parents requests listened carefully and promptly incorporated in practise, caring and growing relationship between the nursery, child and parents. Clean, a bit pricey but great nursery, we recommend it 100%

Hope it helps!

I saw the recent posting about The Little House nursery and just had to reply. We sent my elder daughter there for 3 years and she has loved it. The staff are really thoughtful and caring and the management are hugely supportive to parents. The children go out regularly on visits and do lots of fun activities. My nearly 4 year old makes better bread than I can! Our daughter finishes there in August and will miss it, our younger daughter is starting there and while returning to work is always difficult, it is made much easier knowing she is in good hands. We would hugely recommend the nursery, and have done so to many. We know many happy parents with multiple siblings there, so while it is unfortunate that the previous author didn't like it, there are many that do!

Hello, thinking of starting to look at nurseries in the west ewell area and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. Live up near Horton golf club, but commute from ewell west and we have a car. Thanks

It's great to hear that your are pleased Hbrooks with The Little House nursery so far:) I wish we could say the same unfortunately, in our case it was not about bread making:(...Anyway, just would like to also add that out of the three mentioned above The LH has the smallest playground, not to mention the building that evidently lacks investments.

Top-notch BrightHorizons Chelsea!

Hi, I'm starting looking at nurseries as I would love to get back to work. Not been in the area long and wondered if you could give me an idea on how much these places charge before I really start looking. Would ideally want 2 or 3 days a week but just not sure the fees would make it worth while working!
Thanks