Anyone have views on Mustard Seed pre-school?

[aprilfool]

Hi

This pre-school seems unbelievably cheap compared to the other pre-schools in the area, even taking into account its obvious differences (e.g. size). The people seemed really nice and the children really happy so I am keen to get some views from those who have/know of experience of it. I've noticed that it doesn't come up on the discussion boards very often so I'm wondering why it's not more popular..

Many thanks

[sillywoman]

Because it's Herne Hill's best kept secret & those in the know want to keep it that way!

[dairymilkfiend]

It is an outstanding pre-school (and Oftsted agree!)but due to the small size very hard to get into. My boys have been very happy there.

[hernehilly]

It's great, my two were very happy there and the mum's community was good too. Not perfect, but then again I doubt anywhere is.

[minder]

The nursery might be small and ofsted outstanding, but just to say I found the Mustard Seed toddler group very unwelcoming.

Last January, I turned up one Wednesday morning, after having been told about it by someone I'd met at another toddler group. I'd also asked at the office the week before if it was alright to come along and they said yes.

The ladies on the door were very unwelcoming. Was told to wait for someone else to see me. It was cold and I had two in a double buggy and a 4 year old walking. I asked if could come in but the lady asked if I "was a parent" to which I replied "no, not they're parent, but a registered childminder". Felt very unwelcome and they told me I could stay that week and make a donation, which I did, but then felt as if the whole thing was very clickey. They had a waiting list but I couldn't join it as I wasn't a parent! (I am but mine are older).

I help to run a parent/carer group and would never exclude anybody.

The Mustard Seed toddler group has a very large space, a main hall with two or three rooms running off it and it was quite empty on the Wednesday I went along.

[jollyrogers]

Please don't get the toddler group and the pre-school mixed up - they are two seperate things although they are in the same building.

[LSB]

We go to the toddler group and really like it, and the pre-school also looks great. Think there is quite a long waiting list though.

[minder]

LSB - you go to the toddler group as a parent, which, for some reason, is ok with the people who run it.

I'm just telling my experience as a carer of children, who apparently are not welcome at a 'toddler group'.

[aprilfool]

Thanks so much for your replies everyone, that's really helpful. Sorry to hear you've had a negative experience Minder - I appreciate you sharing your views as it's always helpful to hear both good and bad reports on a place.

[tadpole39]

I have used both mustardseeds and moonbeams, and am very happy with both of them, I believe the funding for the toddler group is dependent on its being used as a resource by parents in the area and this is why they try to encourage parents rather than carers, my son was very happy at moonbeams, but I feel it may not be for the more active child or football mad boy due to the limited open spaces, otherwise an excellent and caring nursery.