Hackney nurseries/nannies

[mumtojohn]

Hello all,

I am new to Mumsnet Talk and wondered if anyone could help me.

I live in Hackney and am going back to work when DS will be 13 months (Jan 2010). Having read some of the posts on nurseries and nannies I am still undecided between the two!

To help decide, I wondered if anyone has any thoughts or experiences with either nannies or nurseries in the Hackney area? Nursery-wise, I need to focus on core-Hackney options rather than, say, Stokey, so I can pick him up on my way home from town (where I work). The Ann Taylor centre would be good location-wise but haven't really heard much about it.

Many thanks if anyone can help.

Hi mumtojohn,

I'm moving to Hackney this summer and looked into nurseries there.

I heard good things about Ann Taylor, but when I contacted them they told me that they have a 2 year wait list. Montessori on the Park was also highly recommended, but the location isn't fab if you work centrally, (it's the Hackney Wick end of Victoria Park). Did you try contacting the council? They sent me a very long list of every nursery in Hackney (and CM's too). I'll be very curious to learn what you find out.

FWIW I think nurseries provide amazing care, and are playful, exciting and nurturing environments - so long as you find one that you love. I love the one we use now, and would chose it any day over a CM or nanny. Even more important, my dd loves it there. She is excited every time we arrive and never wants to leave at the end of the day. If you find a good place, you'll be a convert too!

Hello e1ea,

Sorry for the very late response!

I have done lots of research now and have put my name down at loads of places. I am starting to find them all much of a muchness, I have to say. I did like Independent Place and have paid my £50 reg fee (outrageous that such payments are standard practice, with no guarantee of a place!). I have seen pretty much all of them in Hackney now and would be happy to chat more if you wanted to ask about any particular ones. Or likewise, would be good to hear about your own experiences since your last post.

I agree that nursery is a better option than a nanny but different things work for different people. xx

Both of you, it would be great to hear all your feedback re this topic.

I too live in hackney and am thinking now of when I will have to go back to work (earliest jan 2010) but am at how much they charge and also dont want to place my dd in a nursery not knowing anything about them!!

kingbeat23, i will write tonight and download thoughts.

I live in Hackney and DD (2.2 years) is starting the Round Chapel Nursery in September scroll to bottom of page. We have been going to playgroup there for over a year and it is a very small, community based set up and reasonably priced too. They really encourage parents to come in with their Dcs and try it out and spend the morning/afternoon there as many times as you like until you are happy!Millfieldsis also good, but has a long waiting list which DD has been on for 18 months. Both are based in Lower Clapton.
I am looking for a childminder for DS , who will be 9 months when I go back to work in September...so if anyone knows a good one!

Hongkongzoe, thanks so much for this. I have also been looking for a nearby stay-and-play so this is ideal.

HongKongzoe - my childminder is great although in Stamford Hill so might be a bit far for you. We have just been offered a nursery place so we will probably take that but me and my DD have been really, really happy with her.

my 10 month old son is at rooftop nursery and i really like it. not many people seem to know about this nursery but as far as i can tell, it's a real find.

Fyefoot, I'd love to talk to your CM? My DS is currently in a nursery p-t in N16, which is really good - but we'd like to talk to a CM to work for part of the week. We're at the bottom of Stanford Hill.

MissMitford - Would be happy to speak to you about our CM. Her details are on the Hackney Childminding list - vanessa parsons . Really lovely, lovely lady. She is really near Stamford Hill Broadway. We are starting our DD in nursery from early September so I think she has a vacancy from then. Only reason we are leaving her is because we moved house and the journey too far now. My DD went there from 8 months and settled in really quickly.

Jane7, I visited here and I liked it. It is easily the cheapest I have found and I was almost suspicious because of it! But I really liked the Manager when I met her and the rooftop thing is lovely. Good to know you recommend.

Fyefoot - sorry for not getting back sooner - thanks for the reccomendation. Hmmm Stanford Hill broadway not great for me - we are bottom of the hill...