Anyone with a girl at DCPS nursery?

[mothercourage]

Just wondering what your experiences are. I can't help thinking that girls must be at a (slight) disadvantage in a schooling system that's ultimately geared towards boys? Any insights gratefully received.

[trinity]

Both my girls have been through DCPS nursery and both have enjoyed it hugely. There are enough girls for them not to be dominated by the boys but also few enough of them to feel special.

They have great fun, are taught well with huge imagination and tenderness from excellent teachers. I didn't see any disadvantage to the girls.

Depending on the girl's birthday she will have either 1 or two years there before moving on. My elder daughter had 2 years and loved every minute of it. My younger only had 1 year (I wish she could have had 2).

[mothercourage]

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me trinity. Great to hear your positive experiences. One more quick question: bearing in mind my daughter has a June birthday, will she be there 1 year or 2???.

[Mellors]

Funny that you should ask this as I have been wondering. My two are a school year apart (2 year older boy, 1 year old girl) and I have his name down there. I was pondering whether to think about Herne Hill or Oakfield instead as they are more co-ed for when they are both there/she is there on her own, but that has put my mind at rest a bit. I love the facilities and outside space at DCPS.

[trinity]

Mothercourage June birthdays (like my youngest daughter) are there for a year so they go when they have just turned 3and leave after they have just turned 4.

Mellors If your children are a school year apart they may be in the same year at DCPS nursery (again depends on birthdays) and so you could have them in the same class (not sure if you would think this is a good idea or not).

The nursery facilities are superb - the new building, playground, field and woods are lovely and well used in the teaching there. The only problem is, of course, that girls move at 4. At Herne Hill they have to move at 7 (which is a much more stressful move then at 4 because of the exams) but at Oakfield they can continue until 11 I think.

If you are considering DCPS for your little boy Mellors, definitely look at it for your little girl. It is a wonderful environment for both boys and girls.

[Mellors]

When does their year run from? My girl is 30 August (so will be the very, very youngest in her year at school)?

[trinity]

Yes she will.

She would go when she was just 3, do 1 year and move up to reception (in a different school) when she had only just turned 4.

I also think in that case your son would be the year above her so he would go for 1 year, then as he goes into DCPS reception year your daughter would go into year 1 of the nursery. Is your son's assessment this coming January?

[Mellors]

Yes that sounds right, he would start next Sept (when nearly 4), and she would be the year after (a few days after she is 3).

Hmmmm, possibly not worth it then as she would only be there for a year and then I would have to move her, which is a faff. I don't have time in a morning to drop off at two places before going to work, so back to Plan B I think. Its all so complicated!

[Sqiggles]

Big thumbs up for the nursery from me. If they only do one year there seem to be plenty of girls, particularly in the part time class. Lovely school, great staff, great facilities.