Nursery/Childcare near Brixton Hill/ Clapham North

[SANA]

Can anyone recommend a nursery or child minder near Brixton Hill or Clapham North. I am expecting my first in Feb 06 and finding the whole thing confusing as everyone keeps telling me I need to sort out childcare now even if I take a year of Work?

Congratulations, Sana. You do sound very organised, even if your baby is actually due in 2005
I think 18 months is a bit OTT for sorting out childcare - and I would be surprised if a childminder would either have a clear idea of whether they would have places available so far in advance - they don't know who might move on, and would be unlikely to keep a place open for you - but it might be an idea to look at some nurseries early, as waiting lists can be long. IME it is harder to find places for babies under one, and much harder for under 6 months, but over one, less so.
It is a good idea to start keeping an ear out for people with good childminder experiences in the area, and keeping a note of their phone numbers.
Look at some nurseries, if it will put your mind at rest, and you can register on the waiting list (though many charge a fee for that) so that you know you will have somewhere, but tbh, until your baby is born, and you get a feel for what kind of personality h/she has, and how you feel about it, I don't think you can make a definite choice.

And congratulations!

Sana, when I was there about 2 years ago, there were very few registered childminders in Lambeth, and those that were there were extortionate (I got a qualified nanny for the same hourly rate as the childminder wanted!). No idea on nurseries, but you might like to try Childcare Unlimited - you can put your own ad in and see what comes up (that's where I got my lovely nanny from).

SANA I could recommend a nursery in Clapham Park if you decide that is the route you want to go. Our DD was there very happily for four years.

Thank you for all your messages, Janin which one would u recommend in Clapham Park? I think I will check some nurseries out in November, shortlist and revisit when I have the baby in about 2mths and visit childminders at that stage. I am such a control freak, god knows what I am going to be like with a baby!!

SANA We were very happy with Elm Park in Clarence Avenue. It has a fabulous garden and very caring staff.

Tanzie, did you mean Simply Childcare?
Nellie's Nursery has a v good reputation - but is in W Dulwich.

i second janinlondon's recommendation for elm park. can you give us a clue where you live? there are a few of us pretty local...

I have heard really good things about Elm Park too. SANA - I am moving to that area in Jan - do you like it whereabouts are you?

I live just off Kings Avenue, near Brixton Prison. I usually travel into work via Clapham Common Station as I work in the city & my hubby works in Croydon, so he gets a bus from Brixton Hill so really want something on our way into work. We have already discouted going for any child care in the city as really dont want to drag poor child on horrid tube every morning. As I work longer hours then hubby he will be taking the baby to & fro from the nursery- all recommendations welcome.

Having horrid day at work, one of the girls has just commented that she cant understand pregnant women taking sickies as its not a illnes & should make no difference!!

what a silly cow she is, sana, as though vomiting because you're pg is a different experience to vomiting because you've got food poisoning! i always hope people like her really suffer when they are pg and then feel completely humiliated by the memory of their stupid remarks.

anyway, elm park would be walking distance for you from there and you could then walk to the tube at clapham south.

oh doh!!! it's your dh who will be taking her in.

serenequeen, when r u moving to this area and where abouts?

oiseau- sorry when r u moving

Nightingales Nursery within the grounds of St Francis Xavier VI Form college was lovely whenI worked there - I'm sure it still is. It's snall, but friendly, and worth trying. I'm assuming it is still there - I left London four years ago and the staff may have changed, but it's always been a warm, friendly nursery and close to Clapham South tube station.

oooh - typo - meant small!