The private nursery my daughter attends is closing soon. There are talks with alternative providers going on to take it over but nothing guaranteed yet. We are very happy with this provider and sad that it is closing. It has nice big premises, a big grassy and paved garden and a little paved one which the toddler and pre-school rooms have free flow to. There is a cook on site and hot lunch is provided, with hot teas in winter and cold sandwich/potato/salad type teas in summer at 3.30pm.The staff are lovely and caring and she has a strong bond with her key person. She has a baby brother who will start in the new year when I go back to work.
We have looked around 2 other nurseries recently.
Nursery A is popular and has a long waiting list with unborn children of siblings on it. More expensive than current nursery. They can offer the hours we require but not the preferred days for toddler but can't offer what we need for the baby. No grass in the garden and small rooms. It uses a catering company which provides hot lunch and sandwich type teas. Closer to home and more convenient for both workplaces, giving flexibility in drop offs and pick ups with regards to parents.
Nursery B is 5 minutes further away from home/work. Much bigger rooms and big gardens, grassy and paved. Has spaces for both children. More expensive than nursery A by £3 a day. Also uses a catering company. Hot lunches for under 3s, but over 3s need to bring packed lunch in, and full time children will get hot tea (e.g. beans on toast, soup etc), younger children a sandwich tea.
My toddler will attend for short days (mostly funded sessions) until I go back to work, then both will be full time 8-5. The toddler is used to 8.30-5 at the moment, she comes home and usually has a bowl of cereal and some milk before bed. We usually eat after she's in bed about 8pm.
Can anyone help on what I should do?
- Wait to hear about what might happen with the current nursery - it could be the same staff just different company. No details on cost at present. Further away from home than both A and B but convenient for one parent's work.
- Nursery A with not preferred days for toddler and find something different for baby - childminder? Problem having children in different places with pick ups and we're not convinced with childminders from social side of things, and what happens when they're sick?
- Nursery B for both but have to provide packed lunch and cook main meal in evening. Will she want a main meal at 6pm after a hot tea at 4pm? If not then will it be a balanced diet?
Argh!