Nursery, The Dallington or The Lyceum for 3yo

[lisalawyer]

My DS has been attending the same local Nursery since 7 months' of age - sometimes part-time, sometimes full-time. Recently, he's put up a lot of resistance when we go to Nursery and on the weekends he's very keen to make known that he won't be going to Nursery again. He could be going through a stage or he could be ready to move on to a more challenging environment. I think the latter is likely - he seems to have a thirst for learning (bias aside!).

As DS didn't get in to the local Catholic primary schools (despite being Catholic and regular attendees at mass), we are now looking at other options, last minute. We've narrowed it down to Dallington where there may be a place and The Lyceum, un-contactable during the Easter break. The decision may well be made by availability of a place but I wanted to check others' views on these options for pre-school. I've seen the very helpful threads on these schools over the years but wondered if there are any further thoughts or updates?

I think they both look fantastic but The Lyceum may have the edge with the after-school care option and the ease of a uniform (from working parents' perspective). I also like the Christian ethos of The Lyceum but in no way regard this as necessary. What I love about the Dallington is that the children seem happy and confident.

Ex-Dallington mum here. I was a bit skeptical when my kids started, as had always envisioned sending them to a posh, trad prep, which Dallington is definitely not. It completely won me over, mainly because, as you say, the kids really are so very happy, eager to learn, enthused, full of life. My children thrived and it was surprising to me how academic and industrious those chaotic-looking classrooms actually are.

Sadly, we had to leave London due to jobs, and the children are now at a more traditional school in the suburbs. Although they are now in fancy uniforms, surrounded by all the facilities one could hope for, the actual learning experience doesn't match what they had at Dallington. They've lost a bit of excitement and wonder, and the magical, creative aspect they loved just doesn't exist at their new school.

So there are my thoughts, for what they're worth. I would advise to look past the rather scruffy building, the funky classrooms and narrow staircase and actually take in what is going on in the classrooms. Also, their exit records are impressive - lots of Westminster Under, Queens, loads and loads to City...speaks for itself really.