Primary Steps users - have you heard?

[Crocky]

Been told today that the nursery will close next Wednesday.

ma lopez - I took ds there this morning and they said it's OK!!!!!!!!

Oh my god - I've just checked my voicemail and no messages from the nursery!

Where do we go from here Ma!

Call them tomorrow first thing. I think they heard today but they should have told you when you picked up DH, unless you picked him up before the afternoon session. Got a call from Finchley Nursery manager that they might close on Friday if they do not get another offer by close of wednesday. When DH picked up my DD, they were all down in the dumps. I am sure they tried to call you as I was told parents were being called.

Not sure what to do now. All seems like a dream, albeit a bad one.

Bad dream! Nightmare! My dh picked ds up at 5.30 no-one said a thing!

ds only started in Sept and only just settled and LOVES it. Also I've just started a new job so I doubt they are going to be flexible.

Not many nurseries in this area (I live in the same street as nursery, boo hoo!).

Let's give up our jobs!!!!!!

I thought I was the only one who could not sleep. DD has been there for just under 2 years and is now in the Blue room. What room is your DS in? I am cancelling my direct debit just in case. I can always set it up again if they stay open. I don't live in Finchley, the nursery came recommended and I work in Finchley. Will stay at home and make biscuits if all else fails. You can come for tea

Would love to come for tea!

No, I can't sleep either and really toying with idea of jacking work in. My job is only part time but long hours (got home at 7.45!). And although well paid is not a terribly happy place.

I think my ds is in the red room? He's 18 months old.They might have breakfast together. DS had the initial wobbles but loves it there. Everytime I pass it he holds onto the rails crying to go in.

You know I'm new to all this and I was so lucky to get a place there which coincided with me getting a brand new job (try getting a new part time job and childcare to match). I knew it was too good to be true. Plus I then met other mums who said how fantastic it is.

I'm annoyed with myself as he started in Sept just as they went into admin. I should have started looking for other places.

Top tip on cancelling standing order.

I'm really annoyed no-one called me UNLESS something changed late afternoon and everything is back on track???? Hopeful emoticon?????

Perhaps the staff will start childminding?

What are you going to do. I hope you are able to find something else. Being a SAHM suddenly seems far more attractive.

Have started hunting but the standby one, in New Barnet, I was hoping to move her to has only Monday and Friday available. I work on Monday and Wednesday. She is getting assessed for schools in January and I did not want to unsettle her.

Not sure why I am so calm though. My philosophy, what is the worst that can happen? I live in Edgware but there are no good nurseries here that have been recommended, unless someone on the board has any ideas.

Shame, it's DD's birthday on Sunday and she insisted that I invite all her friends in the Blue room so no doubt that's what we will all be talking about. Would you like to join us? You are more than welcome. It's on Sunday afternoon. Not sure how I can send you details though as I don't want to put the details on here.

The staff did say they were available. Bad timing, less than a month to Christmas. I hope you find something too. Have been scouring the net. Something will come up Call tomorrow though.

Would love to come but we have people over! Happy birthday to your dd. I hope it's a lovely day.

I've seen a child minder - so have just emailed (don't expect a response right now!) - I guess with nurseries they tend to have vacancies at the start of each term. I might check out golders green where my dh works.

My son is very young and hasn't really got much sense of where he is (bless). I really feel for your dd who has made friends.......

However, as I've checked all my phones and interrogated my dh about what exactly happened when he picked up ds at 5.30 and nothing was said - perhaps things have started to progress again????
Very much feel for the staff..... They've been real troupers to carry on like this for almost 3 months.

I'm off to cosleep with ds as I need a cuddle! I'll be back on this thread tomorrow!

Good morning Ma Lopez

Back on the hunt for childcare!

I am very motivated today as my husband is trying to use this an excuse to bring his sister over to look after ds. In our small flat!

In context. She is 34 speaks no English, could never take ds outside (too scared) doesn't drive and would need lots of looking after herself. I pointed out sweetly she needs to get on with her divorce, finish her degree (she's been doing it for 15 years), find somewhere to live, learn to drive and learn to use a pc so she can get herself a job in her country.

She wouldn't last 5 mins with ds who needs lots of park time and activities.

Hum! Could be worse - he could have suggested MIL!

Morning Mumsville, Currently still nursery hunting and job hunting.

Hope you have given them a ring at Finchley. Let me know what they say. Like the fact that you sweetly said No to DH's sister. Your DS needs the interaction of nursery.

MIL? Perish the thought!

Well

I've found two childminders 100 meters from Primary Steps (who I've yet to call.)

However, Simon would be alone!

One has been registered about 4 years and does it part time. The other only just registered. Our kids both go on the same days - perhaps they can both use this minder if necessary.

Called primary steps. The buyer pulled out. I called the administrator and they confirmed the same. They say they have two buyers lined up with the funds. But sale has to go through by Friday or close!!!!!!!!

Not a fan of minders, especially if the child will be alone. A bit neurotic, I know. My DH goes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Found a nursery in New Barnet but they only have space on Monday and Friday and I was looking to go back to work full time More biscuit making to do!

Wonder if they will give up the deposit back. Don't forget to cancel your standing order. I will do it by calling the bank and not online as they might still request it.

why didn't Primary steps call you? I am off shopping. Need the retail theraphy

Ma

So I've now got a choice of another local nursery 5 min drive (so hassle in the am have to drive him, drive home and then go to work by tube) or the childminder across the road where he'll be alone. Seeing both this evening.

I'm really hope PS stays open for us and for the staff.

I'm assuming you haven't yet told your dd?

One minute I think jack in work - better to be a little bit poor. Next minute - I need to work just for the adult conversation....

Just bought the staff some nice biscuits will take in tomorrow.

Hello Mumsville,

Decisions, decisions. Have mentioned it to DD and she wants 2 of the members of staff to look after her! Told her the money tree is not growing that fast

Definitely need the adult conversation and DD needs to get out of the house else we'll both go mad.

The staff will be well fed. I got them some cakes. Will keep our fingers crossed. Another mum mentioned that if they stayed open and we still decided to leave, will they still wants the months notice. I said I had cancelled my Standing order so they can whistle for it!

Fingers crossed till tomorrow. Will be there about 8.15 tomorrow. Might see you then.

Hi I might see you tomorrow - I'm the short one skulking around.

It's Simon's last day tomorrow - just registered him at montessori and I feel wretched.

I just can't wait till Friday to see whether he can go back Monday...........

I doubt we'll get our deposits back but I'm going to try as
a) if they can give less than three days notice of possible closure and then one day notice of actual closure they can't expect us to give one month's notice.

Talking to the administrators I got the impression they want a certain price - will they get it from last minute buyers looking for a bargain.

So sad.

Hello, will look out for Simon's mum. My daughter is called Tolu. Glad you sorted out a place.

Which Montessori one is he going to? I best get my skates on because even if Primary steps stay open, it'll be empty and staff morale will be shut to pieces.

What a shame. It used to be a really good place.

Hi

I'll look out for you if I'm not running too late.

Lavendale - in west finchley. 5 mins from PS. Took him there and he seemed really nervous so we've got the whole settling in thing to do again. But the place looks nice (but perhaps not as cosy!)

So, so sad and feel like we're jumping ship. But I do need to work right now.

I'll be gutted if PS stays open and I have to pass it everyday but I can't really take the risk of having no childcare next week.

I can't wait till he's old enough for state nursery.

Aw - your dd really loves her carers. So hard.

I doubt we'll get our deposit back.

Hello Mumsville, missed you this morning. I think you had left before I got there. Seems they are definitely closing on Friday. Roll on biscuit making. So sad for the staff. Off to bed to try and forget that I have no nursery from tomorrow. Can't go to work, either. Hey ho

Oh ma

I did miss you - I smiled at everyone and everyone smiled back (I should have worn a red rose).

I handed in my 'notice' and have asked for deposit back. I was so, so sad. The note came back tonight that I should contact admin. I will fight for it. If you want your deposit back get in touch now. My line of argument is that we are not able to give a months notice as there is no guarantee it will be open in a month.

Your poor dd and poor you. Are you leaving your job.

Mind you I was running round like a headless chicken trying to get son a nursery place. Why, so work can be seamless. Did work care? Hell, no - I had a shit day!!!!

I wish they were having some sort of little party rather than fizzling out.

BUT MY DH PICKED UP DS AT 5.30 AND HE WAS TOLD THAT YOU'D HEAR TOMORROW.

Fingers crossed.

Sorry to hear your dc's nursery is closing. I wonder if one option for childcare for you is to ask a couple of staff members to do some childminding for your dc's together - it might be hard to get approvals etc in time though but presumably they will be out of a job so available?

Hi Boo64

been following this.

I've managed to jump ship to another nursery and I've just emailed the administrators for my deposit back.

The staff there were lovely - imagine how they feel.

This is something that ma might be interested in.

Thank goodness ds is still little and unaware.I'm just so sad for everyone (and it was 100 metres from home!).

@Boo64
Some of the ladies in the nursery might do some childminding etc but are all a bit sad at the mo to do anything concrete.

@Mumsville, PS Finchley is definitely closing at 5pm tomorrow Sad and happy. Sad because DD was happy there and made good friends and happy because I am sure something good will come of this.

Will be speaking to the administrators today re:deposits etc and then off to look for other nurseries. Have told work and they are happy for me to work from home but might just take next week off to play at home.

Hope your DS is settling in nicely.

So sad but I'm so relieved that I jumped ship Tuesdday.

I sent a strong email to PS admin who have confirmed they sent this on to the administrators. I look forward to their response.

If no joy I have their number for you.

The montessori I'm sending ds to is about a 5 min drive from PS.Still, not looking forward to another settling in period.

I've seen your other thread - get dd name down at as many places as you can and see what comes up first.

I hope your daughter has a lovely birthday - and mummy's at home all next week so that's nice for her.

Hi both,
We had a letter from the administrators today saying that there is very little prospect of any payment of deposits.

Also be aware that a debt collection agency is chasing just about everyone from our nursery for money that they say we owe.