Choose a nursery in Greenwich

[francizuni]

Hi there,

My family is going to relocate in London from U.S. sometimes at the end of June. My husband will work in Canary Wharf so we were thinking it was convenient to settle in Greenwich.

We have a 2 years old (27 months) daughter so we will need to look for a nursery around the area. Any suggestions?

I read about dreadfull waiting lists in general but is this true for a 2-1/2 years old as well or it's more of a problem for new babies?

We would like to find a nursey before we have to look for a place to live so she won't change nursery twice(we will have 4 weeks of temp housing in Canary Wharf).

What are your suggestions on the topic? Any imput is really appreciated since I'm kind of overwhelmed with all this options. For example, how do you normally go the daycare? Drive or walk?(You can tell I really need to get my basics down).
Thanks a lot .

I looked around when my ds1 was a baby 4 years ago and there were certainly very long lists for babies, but, as you suggest, it might be easier for older children. I'd advise that you think about primary school catchment areas before deciding where to live. There's a school called Halstow school which is about the most sought after in the burgh as it's outstanding and very near a lovely modest-sized park. I know that you have to live about 50 yards from the from door to have a chance of getting in to the Reception class.

Very nearby is the Teddies nursery which I didn't like much when I saw it but might be different now. It's been taken over by Bright Horizons, the firm that runs the nursery (in central London) where my kids go now, which I'd certainly recommend. (It's an American company so you may know it already.) Otherwise, there's the very popular LA Robert Owen centre, which is cheaper but gives priority to people who wouldn't have the means for other options. Depending on your dh's job, there are 2 or 3 nurseries at Canary Wharf (little angels is one, I think) that cater to high-earning folks. There are always spaces but they ARE pricey and it might not be ideal if your dh won't be able to guarantee pick-up times. Or you might be better with a childminder. I'm sure there's more info on the Greenwich local site.

More generally, it's a really good area for young kids with the fantastic Greenwich park, the river, the Naval College, leisure centre, Mudchute farm and a wetland ecopark within walking distance, along with good public transport options. I never drive around here - walk or get buses/train/DLR everywhere, walking mostly.

Best of luck.

Thank you very much, that is an excellent point. We are going to rent for a while, that way we will have more flexibility.
I don't think the nurseries in Canary Wharf will work for us since I'm the one in charge to drop off/pick up dd.

I looked the area around the Halstow school on the map and I could not figure out if it was at a walking distance to the greenwich park and the town center. How long does it take if you want to walk to Cutty Sark?

Thanks a lot

Hi,

I live in Greenwich and it is a fantastic area for families.

My little girl goes to Kids & Co in Westcombe Park, it is a fantastic nursery with older, loving, very experienced staff, my daughter loves it there. I really recommend it but it is very popular so you better put her on the waiting list now.

41 Westcombe Park Road
Blackheath
SE3 7RE
Tel: 020 8858 6222

Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Ages: 2 to 5 years

Forgot to add that the nursery is based very close to Greenwich park.

It has a Forest school attached to the premises, meaning they spend lots of time outside looking at insects, plants and the children plant their own vegetables in summer time.

Halstow school is about 25 mins walk to Greenwich centre, 15 to the park.

Well, here I am. Called all the nurseries in Greenwich and made an appointment to see them. They were not very encouraging - Kids and Co told me that the 1st avail day to see the nursery was august 31 and probably the 1st opening would be around next Jan. In general there are very long waiting list for all of them. Next week I'm going to see the other three ( R Owen, Montessori and Teddies). Do I miss any of them or that's about it?