NordAndlia/Jigsaw/leapfrog nurseries- anyone use them??

[CathB]

Both my DDs go to a Jigsaw nursery part time which I have been really happy with. Jigsaw have been sold to NordAnglia who run Princess Christian nurseries. They have also bought Leapfrog nurseries and are moving towards to that brand. I have to say that initial dealings with NordAnglia have not been promising, 2 reductions in the standrad of care we receive (to bring Jigsaw in line with the rest of the sector apparently) and a really unfortunately worded newsletter. Any of you Mumsnetters use any of these nurseries and if so what are your impressions of the changes or if you use Princess Chistrian are they an good?

DD too goes to Jigsaw - again very happy. Our nursery has been bought by CleverKidz. I'm hoping there won't be much change!!

Sorry to hear you're anxious about it.

I personally think the l;evel of care at Jigsaw is outstanding and I think it'll be great if it stays that way.

Hi - I use Leapfrog currently. It wasn't my first choice though. The facilities seem OK at the one my DS goes to (apart from a grassy outside play area) but I have been concerned (and have raised the issue) about staff turnover and continuity with key workers, etc. To be honest I haven't noticed any differences at all recently. When I can afford my first choice nursery which is approx £10 a day more expensive I will be sending my DS there.

I use Leapfrog - not first choice, but they had the hours I needed.

Very efficient and businesslike - BUT they want two months notice of leaving and you pay for a whole day from 8-6pm even if you only need 9 - 4.

Standard of care is fine - but depends on the keyworker and I've yet to be told who is the keyworker for my Ds!!
I did talk to the Manager abuot the care at the start of the day when it seemed that it was up to me to settle my child and ther were very few toys/activities organised when left him.

I guess it all depends on what area you are in and the standard of the staff they can recruit.

I use Leapfrog and am very pleased with them... got to run so no time to write at the mo but I think it really depends on the individual nursery....

BR

My son goes to a Jigsaw nursery. It has been a wonderful experience, but I too have been perplexed by the terse communication from NordAnglia regarding changes in standards of care. As Jigsaw is one of the most expensive nurseries in my area, I'm not really happy at any apparent withdrawal of services, as I have always felt that this is what I am paying premium price for.

The leapfrog nursery in my area is less well regarded.

Dear all

Thanks for your comments. It really is the staff at the individual nursery that matter I guess, I just hope the merger wont increase turnover in any way.
I did raise the issue of the newsletter with the nursery manager and got the impression that she had been having her ear bent about it, though she was far too diplomatic to say so! Put it in writing she kept saying. I just think anyone who prefaces the withdrawal/change of service with " it has come to my attention that..." needs to have a think about her style. I wonder if the fees will come down to reflect the milk that they will no longer be supplying!!