Can't choose between two nurseries!!

[taylorgrace]

Nursery 1 - In a new building built specifically for a nursery. All seperate rooms for different age ranges and the rooms are HUGE, like living rooms two/three times over. Toys look new, clean and there appears to be a huge range of different activities and toys. Outside space is amazing, HUGE gardens for each age range, mud kitchen, car and bike area, and a separate cabin for quiet time or time out. 2 parents evenings per year and keep an eye out for SEN concerns with liaison to local paediatric nurses, and will manage referrals for you if there is an issue with SEN or developmental delay. Far more children - from 2 years old there are 30 to a room. Gave very primary school vibes and looked like a primary school classroom in the preschool room. Lady who showed us round was friendly and interacted with children but didn't seem as engaged/genuine as nursery 2. 15 minute walk from home.

Nursery 2 - In a detached victorian house, smaller rooms by about 1/2 meaning DD will be in a one room environment when she starts until she's 2 years old where they then have 2 rooms per group. Still outdoor space but again, half the space compared to Nursery 1 - mud kitchen and play equipment but no little cars. Has a french teacher once a week in pre-school room, and also utilises Forest School. Less children, but lady who showed us round seemed more engaged and friendly with the children - seemed slightly more genuine. Parents evenings 3 times per year. 10 minute walk from home.

Most people we have met in baby groups are keen to send theirs to Nursery 1, but haven't mentioned even viewing Nursery 2 (have mentioned other viewings). She would know at least 3/4 people in Nursery 1 if she joined.

Dilemma - LOVE that nursery 1 looks like the perfect stepping stone to primary environment and wondering if more children around might be good for confidence, playing, making friends, being used to bigger groups etc? HOWEVER, Nursery 1 is more expensive by around £120 per month.

Feel as though I would expect to pay more for Nursery 1 after seeing facilities etc, but wondering if it's worth £120 more....especially as I'll be looking for a new role.

Has anyone else had to pick between two nurseries? Head is completely frazzled and now I have NO idea!

Oh yes calpol is a good one! I had a nursery refuse to let my DD in one morning as I said she'd had some calpol earlier. My work were not understanding!

N2. Fewer kids, fewer bugs.

The staff are the aspect of a nursery that will have the biggest impact on your child. I'd go for the nursery you felt had the most engaged/ authentic staff.

Ask about staff turnover and experience - ideally you want your child to have consistency in their caregivers, and for those caregivers to be happy in their work.

Food was important to me - ask to see menus, is food made on site? I was surprised (depressed) at what some nurseries deem to be healthy.

I would disregard knowing people at this stage - friendships aren't formed for many years. Also wouldn't be concerned by stairs - my child's nursery is over 3 levels, it isn't a problem and the children learn to use them safely. It's a good skill to learn!

How long has each nursery been open? What are the Ofsted reports like?

What's staff turnover like?

I wouldn't personally choose a nursery that has 30 kids in one room. It's like primary school, but that's not a good thing! It's bad enough that kids are in groups of 30 from age 4, they definitely don't need it any earlier.

We had a similar dilemma. I was all for the shiny new stuff and didn't mind the school feel. DH was totally against what he thought was an institutionalised feel and wanted the more family atmosphere. In the end we went with his preference and it was absolutely the right decison.

Further, 30 to a room would completely put me off either way.

I wouldn't want 30 in a room and would prioritise staff engagement with the children so would go for #2. It's too early to worry about being school ready, focus on their needs now.

Ofsted?

Reviews?

OFSTED inspections?

Ages of staff?

Ask people how long they've worked there?

Look on websites, many BBC show staff info/qualifications, ethos?

For a nursery I'd be looking at how often they use their outdoor spaces, is it free flow? There are some nurseries I know with great facilities but terrible OFSTED reports. There are some I know with amazing outdoor areas but the kids only go out twice a day!

Nursery shouldn't be seen as a place for getting to school, it should be meeting the needs of children at the age they're at.

Reception class is still EYFS and should be a follow on from nursery/preschool.

I'd look at several more nurseries and preschool settings but for me I'd be more interested in Nursery 2.

I have no idea why it says BBC?! 😂

Go for the one where you felt staff would engage with your kids the best

Staff turnover. Go with the one that is best at keeping staff. It's the key indicator.

It actually sounds very like the nurseries in my town @taylorgrace - except my big new nursery has 50 3-4 year old in one huge open space.

I never thought I’d be sending mine to a “busy nursery” but have opted for the newer one for my 3yo who starts in Jan.
Some things that made me make my choice:

• bigger nursery has an “open door” to the garden. Other than if the weather is dangerous, kids are allowed outside as much as they wish during the day. The smaller one has 2x 30 min outdoor sessions per day.
• The bigger one encourages independence and staff modelling behaviours. Even in the younger kids room (which I believe allows up to 30 at a time), there are children picked each day to help prepare/serve snack etc. At lunch they sit in tables of 6 with a member of staff sitting eating with each table. Fresh fruit/veg/salad at every snack and meal. Smaller nursery was mainly crackers/pancakes etc for snack and only served 1 veg with each meal. No fruit given at all.
• This one sounds terrible but I met some parents whose children had attended the smaller nursery and it put me off 😳😅 They we’re all raving about how amazing it was but their children were all still using dummies etc at 3. They were being actively encouraged by the nursery as a ‘comfort’. 3 out of the 4 are seeing professionals for varying levels of speech delay. All have attended there since around 1.
• Nursery 1, although bigger and busier had a much nicer feel to their day. Children are welcomed in, they are sat down and told what activities are on offer that day, what meals there are etc. Then children are actively encouraged to explore different ‘zones’ in the room and can move around as much as they like. Staff are actively participating in each activity as well as other staff overseeing the room as a whole. The garden is always staffed, they have quiet sensory rooms off to the side that are always staffed and mean the kids can get a bit of quiet whenever they wish. Second nursery just sets up a few activities, kids play and are overseen by adults, activities are changed periodically eg, during snack/lunch etc.