Ruskin House Herne Hill

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Hi there. I am moving to SE24 in January and Have my ds registered for Ruskin House. I liked it when I went round but was very concerned by the negative comments that were posted in these discussion pages over this summer. I spoke to the nursery management about these concerns (and the Feb 2008 Ofsted report) and I have to say that I was satisfied with the response.

What I would like is to hear from parents in the area who have their children at Ruskin House or who have first hand experience of the nursery. In particular, it would be lovely to hear from anyone with something positive to say, although I any feedback would be welcomed. Anyone out there ?

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Hi
My daughter recently started at Ruskin and I am quite happy with it. I like homely feel of the place, friendly staff and structure of activities. I don't think any nursery is going to be perfect in every way and depends what kind of things are important to you. I'd say if your gut feeling was good, go with it!

Hi, my DD has been at Ruskin since she was 11 months old and is now 2 years old. I am very happy with the nursery - the staff are friendly, kind and helpful, and I get on with all of them. I make a point of talking to them all and any questions/queries I have, they are always willing to listen and answer them. My little one has made good progress there and is happy there, so that when its hometime she does not want to leave! They do all kinds of things for the children there - parties for their birthdays, they make calenders and cards, and bake cakes which they bring home. Right now, my little one is learning french! So, I for one would recommend the nursery to any mum thinking of sending their little one there.

Hello. It's a real shame when you read through the msg post above, I have sent my daughter to RHS and now my sons attend the nursery.

During my daughters time there she absolutly loved it, she grew in confidence and really came along with her reading and french.

My boys are 2 now and all of my children have been there since they were 6months old.

I think what they do at the nursery is great, my boys are fed well, get good rest and are full of stories to tell me when they get home.

The staff are lovely and very warming, helpfull and caring. You really can see the passion that they have for the children, which I think is one of the most important things.

It's very clean there and they have an onsite house keeper.

Management deal with any worries or concerns and are there most weekends painting or putting new things around the building.

I really would say go and have a look around and cast your own opinion.

I think it's like a home from home for my boys. I wouldn't dream of putting them any where else.

Hi

The best nursery to go to in the Herne Hill area is 2nd step nursery on Heron Road. I was petrified when it came to the time when i had to leave my 1 yr old after a year of being together. The care and quality of the care is outstanding and you can clearly see this from the staff. They always talk to you when you come to collect your child and tell you everything your child has done and produce daily diaries. I would highly recommend sending your child there!!!

Hi

The best nursery to go to in the Herne Hill area is 2nd step nursery on Heron Road. I was petrified when it came to the time when i had to leave my 1 yr old after a year of being together. The care and quality of the care is outstanding and you can clearly see this from the staff. They always talk to you when you come to collect your child and tell you everything your child has done and produce daily diaries. I would highly recommend sending your child there!!!

I have read all the various threads and wanted to give some positive feedback on Ruskin House. I send my son there and whilst it did go through a rocky patch , primarily down to the previous management, it has really improved over the last year. There is a new manager and she has brought in lots of new staff, plus the original housekeepers are back. There is lots of outside space which has been upgraded and the nursery is clean and well maintained. The atmosphere is really warm and friendly and the children are well looked after. My son is a confident, bright and very sociable child and I believe Ruskin has really helped his development. I would strongly recommend people have a look around and make their own opinions.

I have read negative reviews regarding Ruskin House and want to give some positive feedback. My daughter has been attending this nursery since 10 months; she is now 3 years of age. Although there have been a few minor issues in the past we have been very happy and more importantly so has our daughter. Under the new management the organization and cleanliness has improved and we have always perceived it to be a fun and caring environment, some of the staff have been superb. Our daughter would not have done most of the fun and creative things she has without the imagination and nurturing of the staff at Ruskin House. Like all parents we are very protective towards our daughter and only want the best for her and if we ever felt there was an issue with this nursery we would have withdrawn her. I would strongly recommend people form their own opinions rather than take all these postings at face value.

Have you tried The Whitehouse Nursery in Norwood Road or is that too far for you? My daughter went there last year and I know that they don't need to advertise. All their children/parents come through recommendation which I thought was really impressive. Its a small, cosy nursery with really friendly staff and a brilliant garden area. My daughter is in Y1 now but she still talks fondly about her time at The Whitehouse.