Ducks nursery experiences?

[mumum]

Hi, we are considering ducks nursery for our youngest child (yes, we have been on the waiting list for 2 years). I am just wondering how it compares to herne hill school and nelly's? I quite like the idea of a continuous place from 2 to 7 years and the beautiful setting. Any experiences shared would be most valued. Thank you.

[gigglesworthy]

Afraid I have little experience of other schools but we adore DUCKS - in my (limited) opinion its a really great school. My child has been there since 3 yrs old and is now in his second year ie, reception (I took liked the idea of him going from nursery to reception at the same school). As I understand it though children have to work very hard to make it beyond 6 with many children being tutored out of school to enter the junior school (ie from 7). I'm not a fan of extra tutoring at the age of 6 but whatever happens he will have had a great early learning years experience. Hope that's helpful. ps, We too were on waiting list at least 2 years too!

[Monkey]

I love DUCKS. My daughter (2) attends two days a week which guarantees us a place at the school next year. She's having a fantastic time there. I love the fact that they use external teachers for music lessons for example, something our other nursery does not do. The staff is wonderful. And the setting is great. A no brainer!

[Countjc]

I am very interested in this thread as we have also been on the waiting list for nearly 2 years for a nursery place.

My son is currently at Nellies which we love but as a teacher it makes much more financial sense for me to have him in just a term time nursery and I also love the setting of DUCKS.

The question is when do more places become available as we thought we had a place this september but missed it so I am really hoping for one next year. I know that DC staff and siblings get priority which is why we got bumped down but is there a bigger intake in one year- am guessing when they are 4?

thanks for starting the post.

[budur]

I think you'll be still the first one to be considered for 4+ if you haven't got a place yet, it's first come, first serve. And places do come up because people changed their mind and because many girls leave by 4 as past this age there are more boys there than girls. We have just taken our girl off the waiting list for the next year, she'll continue in Herne hill, so here's one place freed up. However, most people are not that organised I think and you'll probably only have a better idea after the new year when other schools allocate their spaces. Good luck, our little one is now on their waiting list, so we do hope he'll get in at 2, but yes, no guarantee.

[amlh]

Hello

Has anyone got any experience of Ducks kindergarten they could share? I read some mixed stuff on Mumsnet and would love to hear some thoughts from people on here. We are thinking of starting our daughter there in September, when she'll be 1.

Thank you!

[Monkey]

Our experience at ducks was very positive. Great staff, great activities including kodaly music lessons as well as PE. And lots and lots of outdoor space. It's just a dream for children!

I saw the mixed reviews on mumsnet too. Would not worry about them!

[sb]

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[amlh]

Thanks! That's really helpful to hear.

[amlh]

They take the smallest ones from 8am to 4.30 pm