Another nursery question: Mother Goose/Excel 2/Camberwell Grove

[MelburnianDad]

Just a bit of a bump (and a more specific subject header) to see if there are any more tips etc..

Hi All

We are relatively new to East Dulwich, and very new to parenting and the time has come for Mrs MD and I to look for nurseries for our soon-to-arrive baby.

I've had a look on the internet/this forum and there is some helpful info, but what I would like is to hear from other parents who have actually got (or have had kids) at the following nurseries:

Mother Goose (Waveny)

Excel 2 (Peckham)

Camberwell Grove Early Years

We've been to see quite a few places now and for various reasons these are our top three picks (factors have included: 'gut' instinct, staff/how happy the children see, location in regards to our house/nearest station, and - unfortunately- cost.) All three naturally have their pros and cons, but this is a major decision so we'd be interested to know what real parents think who have experience of the places (rather than 'I heard from my friend's aunt' etc).

Thanks in advance for any words of advice, recommedations, cautions...

[Goodliz]

Don't have first hand experience of these. Know someone with children at Mother Goose on Waveney Ave and they love it.

My kids went to Gumboots (crystal Palace Road) which is currently being rebuilt as a children's centre so they will be able to take babies. Think it is going to be lovely when it is finished.

It is a very nice nursery and not at the pricey end of the spectrum either.

Probably not much help as it is not finished for you to see but they are currently working out of a temporary nursery at Nunhead green so it is probably worth getting in touch to find out when they are scheduled to reopen.

Liz

[AliM]

Our twins have been going to Camberwell Grove for 6 months now and they love it there. On the plus side, the staff are lovely, particularly their key worker who they absolutely adore. Recently all the staff have been really great with potty training and have really taken the initiative, which has been a godsend for us. The children do great activities and there's an amazing big outdoor space for them to romp around in, with a proper playground, bikes etc. They always eat very well there and the staff have even managed to get them to nap during the day, which I thought would be impossible. And it's great value for money compared to other nurseries I think. Most importantly we feel the twins are happy there; they always look forward to going, never want to leave at the end of the day, and talk about it when they're not there.

It isn't perfect though. The major downsides for us are: (1) the admin is a shambles and seems to be stuck in the dark ages, e.g. you can't pay the nursery fees by direct debit so you have to remember to turn up with a cheque or cash every month; (2) the buildings are looking a bit tired and could definitely do with some sprucing up (although when you're only 2 years old I doubt you care); and (3) they don't offer breakfast for the kids if you drop them off at 8am, which we found invaluable in our previous nursery when we were trying to get to work on time.

The twins started when they were 2 1/2 so we don't have any experience of the baby room in the nursery (for under-1's). That might be quite different of course, as there will be different staff and it will be run on a different timetable.

Anyway, happy to help and feel free to PM me if you would like to know more about our experience of the nursery.

[MelburnianDad]

AliM: Many thanks. Your comments on the admin side of things certainly back up our own experience of Camberwell Grove so far which is very interesting.

Godliz: have seen the new Gumboots building being built and it looks great. It's a bit too far for us to walk to in the mornings though which is a shame. Thanks for comment on Mother Goose.

Any other comments from other mums and dads all gratefuly received!

[MelburnianDad]

Just a bit of a bump (and a more specific subject header!) to see if there are any more tips etc out there...thanks!

[ryedalema]

Our girls go to Mother Goose at Greendale, but we know some parents who send theirs to the Waveney Avenue one. They love it - the management/ownership/administration is the same for all 3 (I think) sites and is very organised and professional/friendly/welcoming.

Our facilities are excellent and I expect the Waveney Avenue is similar - I've certainly heard no complaints from the Waveney Avenue parents.

Good luck x

PS - Can I ask which location you need as the Greendale Mother Goose is fantastic and we chose it for access to the city as it's so near Denmark Hill and ED stations..

[BellendenBear]

I sent you a PM about CG a few days ago.