Dulwich nursery sainsburys

[masher101]

Can anyone tell me where I can find reviews of this children's nursery? Or does anyone use the nursery? Ofsted report is outstanding, I just need to know if it is!

[fufton]

My sone went there form 5months old to 3yrs old when I moved him to start school. Whilst towards the end I did have a few grumbles and the staff turnover was high, I can't complain at all about the love and care they always showed him. He has made really lovely friends there and although there is really no 'education' at that age, it certainly gave him a very good grounding for school.

[Moos]

I pulled my son out when we got a place at another nursery (at the time rated 'ok' or whatever the ofsted equivalent is).

The high staff turnover was a problem for us as my 3yo son was graduating from a nanny share and was used to one person taking care of him. He bonded with his key worker and she promptly quit, and disappeared a week later.

I also found the outside space pretty poor: tiny.

I'm sure the place is fine, and clearly it ticks all the Ofsted boxes. But other than the first key worker whom we really liked, the rest of the staff didn't click with my boy. In contrast he settled brilliantly at the next nursery, although he did have a friend there which really helped.

Horses for courses - wasn't right for my family back in 2010.

[Smiler]

Used it in 2009/10, didn't find it v good, mainly because the manager at the time was terrible; and also the good staff kept leaving, there was really high turnover. I got the impression the wages were poor. The physical space wasn't great, especially outside. There were a couple of incidents that made us lose confidence.

I think they get outstanding because of being a large chain that has all the policies etc to tick the ofsted boxes. The "satisfactory" nurseries we used before and after were way better in our experience, mainly due to low staff turnover.

But it was secure, good selection of activities and food, our daughter was content there etc. most of the staff were very nice, and good with the children. And was some time ago!

[Bobbaz]

My Son goes there at the moment, his big brother also used to attend. My honest appraisal is that in some areas they are great but they do have areas that need improving (I have also given them this feedback and I understand that they are implementing changes).

Good points: Both my boys love it there (it is often difficult to drag them away), the food has vastly improved over the years and is very good. It is a safe, clean environment and the staff that work there are all very good (although the new Manager could be a little more welcoming). They have always been accommodating if I've needed to change the odd day for some reason and their opening hours (7-7pm) offer flexibility that most nurseries don't.

Bad: The garden is small - but it is generally fine as not all the kids are always outside at the same time.

At the moment it's mostly free-play all day with little by way of focused activities (reading/writing/numbers/painting/exercise etc), but apparently this is being worked on. They also have problems with staff turn-over and this has always been the case. From speaking to the staff their biggest problem is the hours, 7-7pm is great for parents but not so good for them.

I would recommend it though, nowhere is 100% perfect and my boys are happy and safe which in my personal opinion is the most important thing.

[cmacnew]

How old is your little one?

[Smiler]

Bobbaz, they used that excuse with us too, but for unsocial hours, if they cannot keep staff on those terms then they need to pay them more! I bet the main problem is pay.