Nursery advice

[EastDulwicher]

Hi there,

Having had my daughter on a waiting list for almost 18 months at two nurseries, I am panicking now about what to do about childcare for her. She's currently at a childminder and we're really happy with her care but she's a bright button and her contemporaries have all moved away from the area or onto other provisions and we are really keen that she moves onto the next stage where being with more children (and no longer being the oldest)and being introduced to new activities she will be more stimulated and be able to develop new friendships.

Any advice welcome, she will be three in March and so we are not in a position to join another 18 month waiting list. The nursery will need to be in East Dulwich or very close by.

Many thanks in advance - really appreciate any ideas/advice on this one.

[devsdev]

Have you applied for admission to a school nursery (ideally one where the current childminder can pick up from)? That's 15 hours a week free and she can stay with the current childminder so you don't have to worry about the change of childcare. I think deadlines are end of this week.

[EastDulwicher]

Thank you that's really helpful although I don't think my childminder would do school pick up but it's certainly worth me asking.

I appreciate your response - thank you.

[goldilocks]

Have you checked out the new nursery on ED Grove. No experience, but as its just opened it may have spaces?

[tomskip]

Is your daughter with the childminder full time? If so, I really do think she should be prepared to take your almost three year old to either a few pre-school sessions per week, or a school nursery where children usually do 5 x 3 hour sessions (either mornings or afternoons). But I really don't think there is anything to be gained from swapping to full time nursery provision at this stage ... your daughter will be in school soon enough.