Best nurseries for an almost 2 y/o.

[Ruth_Baldock]

Hi all,

I didn't think that me and Mr B would be chucking Cheeky S into nursery until his free place kicked in, when he's around 3 (I believe). However, it's occured to us that it might be a good idea to get him settled into one a little earlier; possibly one that is attached to a primary school if that would make it easier for him to get a place at said school (The school we'd like him to go to is 950m away but last year only took children within a 250m distance, apparently, and all other local schools are CofE. We're Jewish.)

So, top nurseries? Top FEEDER nurseries? 'ah much? He'd only be going for 2-3 half days a week, ideally.

*He previously had a place at a montessori nursery, but upon second and third inspection, we both felt a bit 'funny' about it all, so pulled the plug.

[mockney piers]

The mocklet loves Mother Goose on Greendale. I have no real complaints either.

[snowboarder]

I think that school nurseries are only from age 3? And also a place in the nursery has no bearing on whether a child will get a place in reception?

Little snowboarder has just started at Buds, a preschool that takes children from 2. It is term time only, and 9-3 with the option of half days, so quite different to a day care style nursery. Seems lovely, so far!

[Ruth_Baldock]

Oh buggeration, I know naaaafink about all this. Nursery surely a good thing for toddlers in any case. Where is Buds? I have heard many good things about it actually.

Mockers; why can't I find Greendale on the map? Am I blind?

[Pickle]

Unfortunately they don't qualify for a place at a school nursery until the term after they turn 3, and an application for reception places is a completely separate thing (just been through it, and a few of the little ones from my son's nursery class haven't got reception places).

As far as I'm aware, there aren't any nurseries that act as feeders, unless you go private, in which case I believe the Villa does satisfy this criteria.

I'm a fan of Magic Moments, which is a creche catering for 18 months to school age (although most kids leave to go on to a school nursery when they're 3). Just 2 hours, but a nice gentle introduction to a nursery type environment.

[Fuschia]

Another vote here for magic moments

Though ds1 loved puddle duck before it moved

[Ruth_Baldock]

Maybe it's the whole, being 34wks pregnant thing, but I can't find ANYTHING about magic moments/buds online? No websites? Really??? Can't even find the contact info. Hmm. Any links, anyone?

[Pickle]

I've posted details for Magic Moments before, just heading out now but if you don't find it let me know and I'll send them later x

[juliap]

My daughter's at Oaktree nursery on Melbourne Grove and we're very happy with it. It's very small, with caring staff.

[snowboarder]

Well it's not the most inspiring website ever but contact details here.

Not the closest to you would imagine though...

[Audrey]

Ruth,

I think you might live close to me, not far fron Recreation Ground pub - I seem to recall you saying it was close when we were doing a summer baby meet up. Theres a planning appliication in for a new nursery at 82-84 Camberwell Church Street. I don't know who the operator will be, or when it might open (assuming it gets planning), but I hope it does as there really isn't anything close by, and I will be needing a nursery spot next year all going well..!

If anyone knows anything more about it I would be interested to hear, all the info I have is from a letter from the council that comes in the post as part of their notification process.

[Fuschia]

I think when choosing a nursery the first decision is are you looking for a "playgroup but mum doesn't stay" sort of thing.. probably term time only, short days, aimed at toddlers... or part time sessions at a full daycare 52w solution

The latter is likely to be much more expensive and a bit OTT if you are fundamentally a SAHM or have other childcare in place.

The list of nurseries that fit the two bills are probably quite different.

[crystal7]

I think I am looking for nurseries that fit the two bills as described above by Fuschia!

I would like E to start nursery when she's 3 or near enough (her birthday's in February). At this time I will be on maternity leave (due in Oct). Not yet sure when/for how mnay days or even if I'll go back to work so would like her to initially do am or pm sessions at a nursery but with the option of using it as childcare when/if I go back to work. Mornings are tight for us as I have to be in work 8.30 at the latest so no time to travel in the opposite direction from work. We live on Crystal Palace Road and I work in Camberwell. So far I have put her name down at Gumboots but I don't have much hope as it's very oversubscribed. Was also planning on contacting Camberwell Grove Nursery/Early Yrs Centre. Any other ideas?!

Thanks!

[Otta]

Not in ED, but our 2 year old recently started at Townsend Montessori - Forest Hill, which just opened in April. There are definitely kids there from ED.

Although they call themselves Montesorri, I think it's more Montesorri light. It seems nice though, and little one seems happy there.

[oldnewromantic]

Definately worth looking at Camberwell Early years centre. My daughters both went to Nunhead Early Years Centre and it was fabulous. I hadn't thought of the council run nurseries until someone told me how good the Southwark ones are. The Nunhead one was Outstanding, but sadly it was closed in 2009 :(

My youngest is now at Puddleducks which she absolutely LOVES, and so do I.

[ryedalema]

Hi Ruth - I'm hazarding a guess here but is your nearest school Bessemer grange or Dog Kennel Hill? Mother Goose Greendale (which is where our two go too) is not a feeder nursery, but loads of the kids from there go to both of these schools afterwards, so little S would have loads of mates to start school with, when it happens. You still get the Government allocation of school hours (taken off the fees).

It's a fablious nursery IMO.

Oh and Greendale is the 'track' between East Dulwich Road (at the end of Townley Road), and Wanley Road. It's right behind DK Sainsbury's.

Hope it helps x

[Mgdoble]

I've just phoned Townsend Montessori myself and was told to call back in late June as they are over-subscribed and werent considering taking anyone else until then.

[Otta]

I think they held quite a few places for people who weren't starting until later in the summer, as the groups are definitely not full when our daughter goes.

[ClareC]

My daughter does two afternoons at Little Jungle, it's only recently opened and has a lovely atmosphere. There are only 6 under 2's at any time so very personal and plenty of attention.

[anna75]

Little Jungle strikes me as very expensive - it is around 40 per session which is considerably more than the others. I wonder why.... maybe I've got it wrong as it does innordinately seem out of kilter.

[Mgdoble]

Again, I called little Jungle and they said they had nothing until the new year (which is a bit annoying as its only about 20 metres from my front door). I think its less a question of the 'best nurseries' than finding one that okay and definitely has places, is anyone aware of such a place?

[teaanyone]

Hi,

could anyone give me a mobile number for magic moments nursery?

thanks.

Fuschia Wrote:

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> Another vote here for magic moments

>

> Though ds1 loved puddle duck before it moved

[Fuschia]

Mornings except weds

10-12

020 8693 1177

My littlest is just starting at mm (where does the time go!)and I notice they have spaces

Summer is lovely there ... They do lots of planting and i often picnic in the little park by firemans alley after