Pre-school for 2 year old

[cooperach]

Apologies if this has already been asked, but I couldn't find a thread about pre-schools with recent comments...

I am new to the area and looking for a pre-school for my little boy who will be 2 in November for 2-3 mornings a week. So far I have researched/visited Dulwich Village pre-school, Buds pre-school, Dulwich Oaks Montessori and Dulwich Montessori. Does anyone have any recent experience or comments about these establishments? Are there any others that I should be considering?

Many thanks in advance!

[peggoula]

My (just turned 3) year old boy goes to Bessemer Grange new 2 year old provision which is brilliant, very experience staff and good atmosphere plus meals included. There is of course a waiting list now, but maybe worth a visit.

[Cora]

Magic moments...details should be on another thread if you put in a search.

[sanity girl]

My son went to Dulwich Village Pre-School for a year from age 3-4. He was very happy there. I moved him to Half Moon Montessori from age 4-5 as it was better suited for older pre-schoolers (they have a separate class for the older ones whereas at Dulwich Village Preschool they are all in one big room). Dulwich Village Preschool has the advantage of all the lovely green space around it, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. It's also quite cheap :-)

[MrBuggins]

My 3 year old son started buds this year. I am so pleased with it. Main thing for me is that the staff seem to genuinely like children and he is really happy there.

[melv]

My 2.5 year old has been attending half day sessions at Little Fingers Montessori on Burbage Road (there is also one on Barry Road which I know nothing about) since April and I am very pleased with it. It is a very calm environment (no babies, they only take 2-4 year olds) and the staff are great and have helped her make a smooth transition(she had never been to a nursery setting before). She literally skips into the building in the morning. Lots of painting/reading stories/puzzles/playing outside (no iPads or any IT element). It is a convenient setting as it has its own parking lot so if you need to go by car that is a big help around this area. I also visited Dulwich Village Preschool but in the end Little Fingers seemed a little less hectic and slightly more structured which my child seems to like. Similar setting as it is in a rugby club surrounded by playing fields.

The admin isn't great but the staff are excellent and every time I pick my daughter up they give me a detailed run through of the day and what I especially appreciate is that they aren't afraid to tell me when things didn't go so well (e.g. homesick, toddler tantrums) whereas I feel with babysitters/nannies they often say 'everything was great' as that is easier than going into the detail of what really happened. On the admin side there is a new manager answering emails so hopefully that improves.

Happy to PM if more questions.

[ag1987]

My 2 children attended Dulwich Oaks Montessori(youngest still attending). I can't praise it enough. I was very anxious at first when my oldest went about him settling in but the staff were wonderful and my fears were groundless as he didn't want to leave! A happy atmosphere with friendly staff, like a home from home. Lovely hall and massive garden surrounded by high fence. One thing that attracted me is the nice wooden equipment and also the Montessori Equipment.

I also visited the sister school, Dulwich Montessori, which I may have chosen if it was open for longer hours as it also seemed very good.

[Magic Moments]

Hi I am Lynda,I run Magic Moments. If you are still looking for a place for your son please feel free to come and have a look around. Contact me on 07973360068 We also have a page on Facebook under Magic Moments childcare.

[jane1]

My daughter goes to magic moments 4 days a week, and the staff are brilliant, very caring and loving,and my daughter is so happy there,I am very happy to leave her and know she is being well looked after,

[jk87]

My son was at Dulwich Montessori on College Road, and I would highly recommend it. It is such a caring envirnoment, it is a real home from home, the teachers are wonderful and it is a proper Montessori unlike some others in the area. My daughter will be starting there next year!

I also heard lots of good things about their sister nursery Dulwich Oaks Montessori, it has a massive garden, so worth looking at both.

[simonethebeaver]

My children have been to both Magic Moments and DVPS and we've loved both. The staff are caring and the children are surrounded by stimulating activities. The cost is ridiculously reasonable and the children have enjoyed themselves greatly.

[ludoscotts]

Both of my children went to Dulwich village preschool u til they started in reception and loved it, very sad to leave and the staff are brilliant. Highly recommend it.

[beelaw]

My daughter has started at Oakfield prep in Dulwich (they take children the September after they turn 2) and she is very happy and so am I. I have seen a lot of nurseries and pre schools in the area (she's even started a couple and I had to take her out) and this was by far the best for me. It is a very subjective decision of course. The staff are great and so are the parents. If you're looking for a more structured environment for your child not just childcare then you should take a look.