Nursery / Preschool / Playgroup in Winchester

[Egg]

Does anyone know of any nice nurseries / preschools / playgroups in Winchester that take children under the age of 2? We will be moving there in a couple of months and I have had a Google but wondering about personal recommendations.

Am expecting twins and really want DS to get accustomed to a bit of nursery time before they are born (prob Jan 2008). Would like to send DS when he is 20ish months I think.

Bump...

Thanks LL. Not sure there is anyone around. The people who helped me on the other Winchester query were either further out / no longer living there or had older children. Never mind...

Hi
My daughter goes to nursery at my work some distance from Winchester (although I live near winchester) but I have friends who send their kids to Henry's (at Henry Beaufort school), Kingsmead and the Casa de bambini Montesouri school. They're all generally happy with these (I'm not sure whether any parent is ever absolutely ecstatic with nursery care!). Have also heard good reports about Rotherley. All these take under 2 years, but some will only take for a minimu period per week, which may be an issue for you. I don't think Rotherley has a limit, and nor does one of the others which I've also heard good things about (the name escapes me - will look up if you're interested). However, they are all hideously expensive! I've visited one just outside Winchester in South Wonston which personally I thought was really lovely (and much much cheaper than central Winchester) but they don't take children until they're two.
There are tons of Mums and Toddler groups, and also various activities at the River park leisure centre (creepy crawlies, tot's bop, swimming etc.) which also has a creche for users. NCT is also very active and you might like to join one of their groups.
You're right to be thinking about this so far in advance, as places really fill up for nurseries in the area.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Oh thank you so much for your post. I definitely need something that DS can do without me, although will check out the leisure centre stuff too (we had a look there when we visited last time and I saw the softplay bit). How far away (drive) is South Wonston? Ideally need something within walking distance as with two teeny ones don't want to have to load everyone into car.

I will check out the ones you mentioned. We are hoping to be living in Hyde area so will see what is nearest there and make some enquiries. I enquired at Riverside Nursery already and was told I would not get DS a place until Jan 2009 . Twins will be a year by then!

South Wonston would be about a 15 min drive (north, near Sutton Scotney). Hyde is lovely - you'd be able to easily walk to Casa de Bambini and Kingsmead from there. Also if you don't mind a longer walk Rotherley would be OK which is in Fulflood. The other one I'm thinking of is at the Winchester University complex in Romsey Rd - as I say can't remember the name, but think they're not quite as booked up, and you can go just for a day per week if you want.
Good luck with the move.

Oooh have just had a look at Kingsmead and it is a great location for where we are hoping to move (hoping!). I have emailed them about availability and have asked if we can have a look round next week as we are down for a couple of days.

Will also check out Casa de Bambini. Thanks again for your help.

I have a colleague whose dd goes to nursery in winchester, but am not sure where. Will ask her when am at work on Friday.