Which nursery?

[pjparty]

I am in such a pickle about what nursery to pick for my son, who will start in November and would really appreciate some insight from other parents on which one they would pick, and what is truly more important. It's quite far out but we are needing to pay the deposits now to secure a place. He will be one when he goes and they are both in a built up area of London. He will be going full time.

Nursery A
Literally across the road from us so super convenient. When we are wfh we will be able to collect him at 5pm and maximise time with him.
Bigger nursery for kids up to school age
Not a huge amount of outdoor space, literally just one small concrete are for the babies (but will they appreciate outdoor space?). We won't be here for more than two years so not thinking too much about the future.
Part of a bigger chain of nurseries so well established
Ofted rated 'good'
£1400 full time

Nursery B
10 minute walk so still not too far
Only for babies so he will need to move to the sister site at age 2, still not far.
Maximum 12 babies on premises so very welcoming and homely environment.
When viewing I felt happier leaving him there but he is still very small so not sure I will always feel this way when he's more independent as the other one wasn't bad either.
Taking them outside twice a day is part of the nursery's routine.
Brand new so not currently ofsted rated but the sister site is rated 'good'
£1700 full time. We can afford the extra £300.

I'm having such a wobble as part of me thinks it will be nice having him on the doorstep, the other liked the environment of the nursery 10 mins away.

What would you choose or are there other important things you would consider when making the choice which you only noticed were important when your child started?

How big are the room sizes at nursery A? It won't really to your baby how many are in the preschool room for example.

Did Nursery A say how many times a day they go out?

My DD's preschool had a small outdoor space but they really maximised it.

My DS (not yet 2) does really seem to value time spent outdoors, and sleeps better too if he gets plenty of it. Do they take them out on walks etc. at the one with the small yard?

Other things I like about our current nursery: the menu is varied and they don't give them puddings (heard about relative's nursery where their child won't eat the main course because she just wants to fill up on custard). They always have alternative activities so children don't need to join in if they aren't interested in painting or whatever, but can come and have a go when they feel like it.

Which nursery gets them out and about the most?

It's not ideal for a baby to spend 50 hours a week in the same room, so I'd definitely prioritise the one with most trips and if neither do trips, the one with most outside space.

I'd also ask about staff retention. Talk to the staff and get a feel for them. Notice whether they're all very young or not.

When viewing I felt happier leaving him there but he is still very small so not sure I will always feel this way when he's more independent as the other one wasn't bad either

Listen to you gut

Thanks so much for your replies all. It was really helpful to see what was important to you and lots of food for thought.

Room sizes in preschool go from 14-18 depending on age, the larger the older they get so from 2 its 14.

Nursery A go out once a day, nursery 2 twice.

The staff at both seem lovely but I think the listen to your gut comment really resonated with me and will go with nursery B.

Agree, go with your gut feel. And for what it's worth I think outdoor space is vital whatever age. Our daughter started at 7 months and loved being outside at nursery from day 1. They lived out there all summer, it was lovely to see. I'd take a 10 minute trip for that benefit.