Sending DC to a newly opened nursery - is it a bad idea?

[OnlyOneBike]

We were looking for a nursery for DC (20 months old) and came across this newly opened nursery. It looked fab to me, e.g. loads of toys, airy and open rooms with freeflow access to the garden, etc. During the visit DC liked the toys so much that it took us quite a bit effort to convince him to leave. But the issue is that it was just opened a couple of months ago. There is no ofsted report available. We have absolutely no idea about the staff turnover rate. There's no way to learn about it from other parents' experiences. And this massive toddler room (think i was told 30+ capacity) only has a few kids on roll currently (which can be a good thing though, thinking too many children may be a bit overwhelming for DC at this stage).

So would you consider this newly opened nursery? Can anyone share their experiences in new nurseries? Are they necessarily bad (i've heard lots of complaints about new nurseries / manager changes, etc)?

TIA

Is it part of a chain?

We chose an older established nursery over a brand new one. The new one was beautiful, built for purpose, huge, gorgeous wooden toys etc.
But it lacked a warmth, the staff weren't bonded and I worried about staff turnover and them having to learn how to be a team on the job. The established nursery had team members who'd mostly been there over a decade and had a much warmer feel. The children just seemed calmer too, more relaxed.

I would go by feel rather than just looks.

My dd went to a newish nursery, probably opened about 6 months when she started. Our experience was largely positive, by the end she got a little bored but I think that was more down to their ethos not 100% suiting her, rather than their newness. Staff turnover was very low because, at least in part, they got a chance to shape things rather than working in an established place that had very set ways.

I did 8 years ago. It was a gamble beciase at the time it was cheaper than the other nurseries but the managers were passionate and had successful run other nurseries. It paid off. Dc3 is now there. All 3 children have loved it. Good luck with your decision.

Also ofsted reports don't overly bother me - I'm confident at what I need to know/look at from a safeguarding perspective and nothing else bothers me that much that ofsted report on

We have had our son (3 years now) in newly opened creche since he was 14 months. It was brand new however part of a chain. I loved the fact that it was brand new, no smelly carpets, new toys and a wonderful staff that was (or seemed at least) very excited to be there! Now we are 2 years in and I confirm it’s still wonderful and he loves it.
Yes I would say there’s a fair bit of staff/management changes but I think this is just the industry… god bless their patience having to look after a group of toddlers!:) anyway that’s my experience and if I were you I’d definitely go for it!

My son attended a very newly opened nursery, I think it has been open about three months when he started. Facilities were great, staff were great, all staff were well trained in managing his hearing aids, all we truama trained. He was there until he attended school and we were very very happy with them.

My daughter was the first child in her room in a brand new nursery. She was 2 - she got the opportunity to really bond with the staff and lots of 1-2-1 - she loved it

Thanks for all the inputs.

@glasshalfsomething Yes, it is part of a chain. Their other branches have a mix of good and bad reviews as lots of other big chains. I guess it probably depends a lot on individual managers so cant really rely on reviews of other branches.

@JustWonderingIfYou That's exactly what i'm worried about. Because there aren't many kids in the room and they haven't bern there for long, we can't really tell how they bond with their key persons and weather it has that kind of warm homely feel. We did try a well established nursery which looked homely when I visited. But then DC was very bored during the settling in as there werent much going on. The toys and activities were not attractive to him at all despite the staff desperately trying to get him to involve. I think they just didnt have the right tools. That's why I put lots of emphasis on the 'hardware' bit this time round.

@findahouse21 @Hangingtrousers @123usernamesilly
@Archersandlemonade@Simonjt

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Glad to hear there were successful stories!

I think the etho thing does matter. We have seen many nuseries and tried a few sessions with one with very good reputation. But it just didn't work out for DC. They are a traditional homely feel nursery in a lovely Victorian house. They have regular circle times e.g. singing, yoga, etc and a timetable for going to the garden. The toddler room is cosy and busy, although a bit dark to me. Then DC just found he didnt get to do the things he wanted. The toys didnt seem to match his style either.

With this new nursery, i have been told kids choose what they want to do among lots of activites (they have 7 activity tables vs. 3 with the old one). Then you have access to the garden any time you like when weather permits. The toys and books suit DC quite well. He went straight to play and was kind of 'settled' the second he entered the room, while with the old nursery the staff had to make a lot of effort to have his attention. I suppose this is a sign that DC may enjoy the new one better?

I wouldn’t think twice and id signed her up for this one, clearly she seems to like it and so do you :).
Look, things can be bad/great in any of them really. In the end of the day you can always change nurseries. Agreed, it’s not great for the child but there is such option.
Id sign her up, good luck to you :)

We went with a brand new one, part of a chain, it's been great, very happy with it and no crazy waiting list so can probably get DC3 in there too.

You could certainly ask the staff what their background/experience is.

My DS went to a new pre school with no Ofsted report. I looked round it and got such a good vibe. 5 years on and my daughter has been there as well. I'm on the parent committee and their keyworkers have become friends.

Best decision I've made parenting wise.

We decided against the independent nursery that had timetabled access to the park/school field and only very limited outdoor space otherwise. It was too regimented. The chain nursery with free-flow to outside was much better as DD could go and play as she wanted, they could take advantage of the weather etc.

My daughter started at a new nursery but I removed her and made complaints to ofsted about concerns I had. Two years later they are still getting ofsted complaints. I would be careful.