Dulwich Village Preschool or any other suggestions

[littlemoo]

I am currently looking for a Preschool for my toddler to attend as of September. I have him down for a place at the villa, but as it will be additional to my main childcare (he and littlest moo will have a nanny two days a week) the villa seems an expensive option. I have looked at buds which seems good but expensive for what it is, and yesterday I heard about DV preschool which is the sort of price range which would be good!

It's really about making him more socialised so it doesn't need to be terribly smart. Does anyone have any experience of Dulwich village preschool or can they recommend anywhere else?

[dulwichgirl2]

LM, What are you looking for exactly? Just lots of exposure to other children?

(Incidentally, I would avoid Buds. My husband and I took our youngest ch away after attending the initial welcome day. I was pretty shocked by various things I saw, suddenly with a more discerning maternal eye than when I had just been round for tours.)

DVPS will give you the socialisation you seek for your ch plus I quite liked some of the assistants. They make them line up, show manners and generally behave, in total contrast with Buds, which is a free for all. DVPS big negative for me was the verandah thing they have. I just feared too much that a child could easily fall off and break something. If you can get over that or if they have safeguards in place, maybe you'd like it?

In terms of cost, once your ch is 3, some places offer 5 free mornings/afternoons so, if you can find one of these nurseries, you could spread the cost now over a few years, as it were.

Lastly, could you go to classes? eg Bea's baby bop, Crystal Palace Club, Beckenham Spa mini gymn, Tumbletots, Tippeetoes, etc might give contact with other ch and not break the bank!

[sunbob]

Amott Rd Preschool is friendly with, I think a good balance of structure and learning through play. There is lots of space inside and a nice playground type area outside. My dd always seems to have enjoyed herself when I pick her up. It's good value to and runs non-fri mornings in term time. They have Facebook page www.Facebook.com/amottroadpreschool