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[amateurmum]

My hours at work are changing in September and so am deciding on new nursery for dd next year (she will be three). Have looked round two locally I like.

Nursery 1 - lots of new facilities, very up to date educationally on early learning goals, extra trips etc BUt very young nursery staff who seemed pleasant but not very confident and outgoing.

Nursery 2 - lots of nice toys, and super older staff (mums and grannies) who I really warmed to BUT slightly uninspired educationally (children seem to be doing worksheets as one activity).

I want to send her to one of these rather than looking further as both take lots of children she will be going to school with.

Which would you choose?

The nursery which you think she will have fun at.

Did the children look happy and seem cared for? Also which one is easier for you dropping off and picking up?

Nursery 2 would get my vote. You warmed to it, they have a mixture of staff mostly older. I presume they have the ethos of Learning Through Play, rather than more formal education. Your dd will get formal education when she goes to school... pre-school years in my view should be about Play, social interaction, and the odd bit of learning.

I would go with no. 2. It is not important IMO at such an early age that our little ones have 'goals' - I mean, we never did, did we, and we've turned out OK!

From recent unpleasant experience....go with the mums and grannies. Chances are, they've been there for a while, which means they're happy with their jobs. Happy carers = happy kids.

Go with your instinct - I personally think you have a feeling when you have found the right nursery - just like when buying a house really!