Corner house nursery, Wadsley lane

I can 2nd corner house, its not the cheapest the staff are fab and they spend loads of time outdoors which is great.

Little Winners Nursery at Middlewood is great - 2855005

You can pop in anytime for a visit between 8-6 just call to tell them you are on your way. They can introduce your little one to the nursery whilst you get a tour.

Hi ihave just been reading about the nursery which is closing down if there any parents who still need child care have you considered childminders we are all registared with ofsted and provide high quality care in a home enviroment with flexable hours. For more information post me.

Hi, I am looking for childminders in the area who are able to puck up from Meersbrook Bank school. Could you please let me know if you know any with places availabe? We also have a baby and she is due to start nursery in september but we are still debating between that and putting them both with a child minder.

Hi everyone

I really need to find a good daycare nursery in the S2O area for my little boy (he is 8 months) - anyone got any recommendations? Also is it usual to have to sign up to a full years childcare and pay all year round, even when your child does not attend due to hols/illness? :confused:

Hope someone can help, it's such a big decision..

Thanks
Gem and baby alex :)

hi there,

I can't recommend a nursery for you but I can recommend you speak to childrens information services on Leopold Street in town. They will give you a list of childminders and nurseries in your area.

I can confirm that it is usual to pay even when the child is sick or holidays (Some places give you two weeks free for holidays) The way the look at it, they keep your childs place open therefore no other child can be cared for so the place needs to be paid for no matter what.

Good luck in your search

You could also look at the Ofsted website for recommended and high graded facilities in your area, broken down by postcode and similar in your local area.

Hi QueenGem,

My daughter attends Moorlands Nursery on the main road in Mosboro and seems settled there, she has been going there since mid feb, average of 3 days a week. They had an Ofsted inspection recently and got a good report. They are very flexible with days as some weeks I'm at work 4 or 5 days and others only 1 or 2 and they just let me pay for an average of 3 days a week. I think they let you have 2 weeks which you can use for holiday or illness so I guess you tell them when you want to use them and they won't charge you for those days.

Give me a shout if you want anymore info.

Another friend around here uses the sister nursery of Moorlands in Eckington and is happy with that.

Thanks Wend, I am going to have a look at Moorlands on Monday

Gem

Did anybody reply to this message? I'm also looking at taking my son to this nursery and know nothing about it. Did u decide to take your little girl? Do u know of any other good nurseries in chapeltown?
Sarah.

I can't recommend one Nursery highly enough in S35. It's Lilypad on Whitley Lane (near Whitley Hall). It's like something out of the Darling Buds of May!!! They have rabbits, chickens, fish, gerbils...you name it. The kids go on walks in the surrounding countryside (the owners family own the farm next door). All of the staff have worked together for about 8 years I think, so they are really experienced and work well together. They are really attentive and engage with the kids wonderfully. I have to leave a pair of slippers and a pair of wellies at nursery as the great outdoors is a big thing with them, they are always having adventures! When the kids go back into the nurrsery they change into their slippers! Check out their ofsted report, thats what led me to visit the Nursery and I wasn't disappointed. Lovely atmosphere and my little boy (who's 3) is always asking 'when is it time to go to Nursery?' I think they are full at the moment (but they do have a waiting list) as they only take 12 children per session (3 staff to 12 kids, so great ratio).

Hi Sarah Jayne. I did decide on thorncliffe and i do lie it v much now. a few teething problems at first. but not i drop her off happy and she llkes it v. much i think.
it does take time but i am pleased. i do recommend it.

My little girl goes to Bizzy Bees on School Road, Beighton. She enjoys it and its not too expensive. I pay in advance for the month, but I get Busy Bees vouchers (not the same) through my job.

I also have an excellent childminder called Lisa, but I think she is full up at the mo. I'll ask her if there are any childminders (a lot more flexible and personal) in the area who have spaces, as Lisa takes my little girl to a childminders toddler group on Mondays in Beighton. If she knows any I'll post their details. x

Thanks needhams, I'll check out their ofsted. At the moment we visit some groups at the early day childrens centre on palgrave road, parson cross and their ofsted is outstanding right the way through. I've asked thorncliffe for an information pack but it never arrived so had to call again. Is Lilypad expensive?

Hi,

I haven't read through all of the posts so sorry if I'm repeating someone! We had similar problems finding childcare. We visited a number of private nurseries and really felt uncomfortable with the care and the price. Then a friend told us about Surestart. They're council run and only employ trained staff, apparantly only a small percentage of staff at private nurseries need to be trained. Our little one goes to Chancet Wood and loves it. Surestart has its own website.

Hope this helps

Hi Dougaldave, yeah the one I mentioned in parson cross is surestart run, my son's name is on the waiting list and haven't found an ofsted report that compares!

......................................

Twinkles Day nursery in Woodhouse is great, its newly open but family run. its only a small building so numbers will never be really big. staff are great and caring. my daughter goes to the holiday club and after school club there. they pick her up from school.
she loves it.
33a market square
woodhouse
s13
0114 2293502

I know babychicks isn't born yet....3 more months....but seriously have to start thinking about work/ childcare when he reaches 6 months old. Have seen that Little Imps are opening a baby room, as this is practically on the doorstep does anyone know when it mite happen? prices etc?


Just noticed corner house and osbourne house so views on these would be good too.

Failing that can anyone provide info on nurseries near it that would take from 6 months (with average price/ website)?? Have seen loads on here for nurseries but none near me, and as i don't drive it would have to be easy to take babychicks too on way into work (city centre).

Thanks.

Have you visited Little Imps?? Visit before you make any decisions! I did a bit of work there and I thought.... never again

.

Have you visited Little Imps?? Visit before you make any decisions! I did a bit of work there and I thought.... never again

.

no..but i would before putting him in anywhere. Have worked for a couple of nurseries in Sheffield and one was lovely the other was horrible....yet parents thought it was great - what goes on behind closed doors and all....so i don't think parents ever get a full picture which is a shame.

I would recommend Little Winners, while it is going the opposite way from town its only a tram jump!

.

I would recommend Little Winners, while it is going the opposite way from town its only a tram jump!

.

thanks....also close to me - just other direction :-) Have seen good comments about that but unfortunatly all links to its website appear to be down at the moment. any idea about cost for a 6 month old??

one of the sites charges £32 a day for baby - is this about right? when i only take home £45 a day after tax it hardly seems worth going back at all.

one of the sites charges £32 a day for baby - is this about right? when i only take home £45 a day after tax it hardly seems worth going back at all.If you claim child tax credits or working tax credits you should be able to claim most of that back. I wouldn't want to guestimate their current prices but if you ring them they'd be able to give you a good estimate - also, you might find a childminder costs less and could be more flexible.

.

My daughter was at Corner House she started in the Baby room and went there till school age she loved it there. The management can be at funny at times but the carers were brill. It could have changed now as my daughter is now 8.

I'm just after some advice really. I'm thinking of sending my little boy to nursery for a couple of mornings a week after Christmas to get used to it before he starts properly in Sept 2009. He was 2 in May and I think he'd enjoy it but dont know if I'm being cruel or whether it seems a good idea to other mums. He's an only child so dosent get much interaction with kids. Goes to playgroup couple of times a week but do you think it would be good for him to have a little independence?

Also would I get any help with paying for this as would be a private nursey. Currently get child tax credits.

hi i think its a great idea sending them to nursery or similar to interact with other children. my son went from 4 months and my little girl is going soon and shes 5 months, although this is because of work commitments, i think being with other children really helped his development, hes nearly 3 now. his speech is great etc. i have a childminder though who is fantastic and goes on lots of outings aswell but every child care provider does the same really!
yes you would get some help with costs, no matter where you choose to send them. as long as they are registered

Hi, I send my 2 year old for one full day a week so she mixes with kids around her age, as none of my friends have children. I found it especially good when she was going through fussy eating stages as she would be encouraged by the other children, who all get a stamp for eating a good amount of lunch.
I don't know if you would get any free sessions though.

Hi PinkJo how long has your little girl been going?

How do you pick one as well...can you choose any as long as they have spaces available? Do you go for a look around first?

My son goes to nursery and loves it. I think it's done wonders for his development, as well.

If you choose a private nursery I can't imagine why you would get money off, but after they hit 3 years old, they are entitled to a number of free sessions.

The best way to choose a nursery is to visit the ones nearest you or your work, and when you find one or two you think you like, make an appointment to be shown around. Don't be afraid to ask questions about everything that occurs to you, and have a list ready of things you want to know.

When you choose a nursery, you may well find it helpful to go to a couple of hour long sessions where you accompany your child, before leaving them to it completely.

Just a few things that occurred to me :) Good luck.

Thanks cosywolf. Like I said not thinking about it until after Christmas but just getting some ideas about it. Do they have different rooms which cater for different age groups or do they just put them all together?

Looking at tax cdt website it says you have to work at least 16 hours in order to possibly qualify for help with childcare costs but dosent say they have to be a certain age. Can anyone shed any light?

Thanks cosywolf. Like I said not thinking about it until after Christmas but just getting some ideas about it. Do they have different rooms which cater for different age groups or do they just put them all together?

That will depend on the nursery, I'd guess, but I believe most keep the babies (2 and under) separate from the older ones. At cosycub's nursery, the little ones are upstairs, the big ones downstairs, though they do get brought together if one group is really low in numbers (1 or 2 children).

Sorry, yes tax credits will go to nursery costs from any age...just in my case it's such a drop in the ocean that I forget.
Contact them, have p60s ready for your last pay year or be prepared to give them a detailed rundown of your and your partners pay, and they will be able to tell you what you are entitled to.

Thanks cosywolf. Like I said not thinking about it until after Christmas but just getting some ideas about it. Do they have different rooms which cater for different age groups or do they just put them all together?

Looking at tax cdt website it says you have to work at least 16 hours in order to possibly qualify for help with childcare costs but dosent say they have to be a certain age. Can anyone shed any light?

You get these vouchers which mean you get taxed less to help you with child care when working. From the term following your child's 3rd birthday they are entitled to 15 hours free a week during term time regardless of whether you are working or not. If your child goes to a private nursery you may need to pay extra for longer sessions, food or for the holidays. I think this is right anyway!

Childcare vouchers are different to the tax credits.
Tax credits is a payment to you directly based on your employment and nursery costs, etc.
Childcare vouchers ensure you get your tax back on the money you pay for childcare, generally sorted out through your employer...very worthwhile if you meet the criteria.

Hi,

Most nursery's are split into different age groups depending on the size of the nursery and the number of children attending. At my nursery we have

**3-12months (split into 2 groups 3-7 months and 7-12 months)
**12-18 months (split into 2 groups 12-15months and 15-18 months)
**18-24 months
**2-2.5yrs
**2.5yrs-3yrs
**Early Years classroom

0-2.5 are downstairs, as its safer to get them out incase of a fire e.tc and 2.5-5 yrs are upstairs.

Most nurseries are happy to show you round so pick a few in your area or close to work and then book show-rounds to look around them, the nursery manager is used to questions and doesn't mind how many you ask,however ridiculous they seem!

the school term after your child turns 3 he will get Grant Funding which is 15 free hours per week.

Some big companies have recommended nurseries where you get a discount if you use them so it might be worth checking those out too!

When your child is due to start nursery he will go for settling in visits where you get to know his keyworker, his nursery routine and the things we will be doing, so they are eased in gently and not just dropped off in a strange place. Also some nurseries have a "buddy" service where an exisiting child at nursery shows your child round to help settle them in- obviously this happens with the older group

HTH
wayeye

I am going to have a look around a private nursery on Monday with a view to placing my 1 and 2 year old daughters for one day a week.

I am trying to think of things to ask. I have read ther ofsted report and its good. I know that food, drinks and nappies are included in the cost but I need to ask what they should bring with them and if I need to mark all their clothes etc.

I want to know the kind of activites they have, the food they provide etc. Also what happen if we can't make it due to illness and what happens if the girls were ill would they accept them etc.
Have I missed anything obvious? Does anyone know how I apply for tax credits help towards payment?

I'd be asking about behaviour policies and their policies and procedures in general.
How much time they will spend outside and how often they will leave the nursery, for trips to the shops etc
For me, as I don't like nurseries, I'd ask about staff qualifications, average attendance - how many kids.
And, if previous threads are anything to go by, what extra costs there are. Specifically I remember one thread where extra money was requested for gifts.

Otherwise, hope it goes well and please report back, it may help someone else in future.

I shall ask about anything extra over the daily rate - not thought about that one and the policies etc.

Can I ask why you don't like nurseries? We did consider a child minder but think the girls would enjoy meeting more people in a larger environment. Plus we can be very close by which reassures me.

I know this has been done before, but it was over a year ago and much might have changed. Can anyone recommend a good nursery in Woodseats? What is the Little School House like?

Hi Maddy

I'd ask about staffing numbers - make sure they have at least the minimum - the nursery my son goes to overstaff so they can always move people round if needed and maintain minimum ratios. Fees - what is and isn't included (nappies, wipes etc).

What is staff turnover like - happy staff stay and consistency is obviously better for your kids ;o)

What security is in place re pick ups - what would happen if someone other than you or designated people needed to pick your kids up?

Where do children nap - are nap times tied in to a set routine. If there is a routine how strict is it in terms of play etc.

What is policy on sickness and administering medicine (some will give calpol for example some won't! All say children have to stay off for at least 48 hours if sickness or diaroeah bugs)

How are children settled in?

Does each child have a keyworker?

How does the nursery keep you up to date with progress of your children (e.g. my son's gives us a care sheet each day he is there with info on nap time, food eaten, inc snacks, activities they've doen etc and then every quarter we get a report back from his keyworker to look through which is more detailed)

Check how often nappies are changed and the changing facilities are clean (I looked at some shocking places before I found the right nursery).

What are the limits to numbers of children in each class/ group

I could say loads more but I've prattled long enough - hth though ;o)

I have heard that its a great little place for little ones to grow and play, They have a good pasoral care record for their charges. The care here is good and there is good areas of play development. The staff are friendly too. Go and look around you will see its one of the better ones.

I always recommend when you go and look around the nursery to go with yoru instincts as far as possible, especially when distinguishing between a few that you like all the answers to your questions. As an Early Years teacher I have been to many nurseries visiting in a professional capacity, and I would always rate a nursery highly on the level of interaction between practitioners and children. Have a look around, are the staff stood up, or sat down? Are they playing with the children or telling them what to do? Do they cuddle children and babies? Do they have a snuggly area for reading? do the staff smile at you and the children? In my opinion staff can make or break a nursery. You can have the best policies, and the most expensive toys in the world, but if the staff don't know what to do with them, or how to apply them in the best interests of the children then its no good.

As for nurseries vs childminders, I think it is all down to preference. Childminders often spend time at playgroups and with other childminders, and this offers that social interaction you are looking for. Childminders also go loads of places with them giving them a broad perspective on life, as well as their routine being closest to homelife as yours. You also have the added benefit of it just being them, so you know who you are getting, and they can build up a wonderful relationship with your child.

Nurseries can offer great chance for social interaction, but fitting in with a nurseries routines can sometimes be at the expense of the child's individuals needs. Your child should have a keyworker, who would be with them more of the time, but they may not always be there, and other staff will be instead. Nurseries can have some very flashy looking toys, but often due to staff ratios the children don't get to go on many outings and end up in the same 4 walls for the majority of their time.

All nurseries and childminders have different strengths and weaknesses, and I hope you find the best thing for you and your girls. I personally agree with Zebra, as nurseries aren't for me, but as I say you have to do what is right for you.:)

I shall ask about anything extra over the daily rate - not thought about that one and the policies etc.

Can I ask why you don't like nurseries? We did consider a child minder but think the girls would enjoy meeting more people in a larger environment. Plus we can be very close by which reassures me.

Having worked in several during my earlier years of training I found their standards and the things they get up to absolutely abysmal. Of course that only stands as fact for the ones I worked at and I can't name names.

On example was sitting all the babies in highchairs in a circle, one spoon, one dish of baby slop and one member of staff feeding each child in turn and then herself out of the dish :gag:

And another, a little boy had specific snacks left for him by parents he was not to have crisps but the staff let him take them off the other kids and out of the communal snack bowl without concern. I was horrified and questioned their actions but got verbally slapped down and being lowly and training I saw much and said little but left after just a few weeks in the end. I hated it.

Another which upset me was a little girl who was ignored as she was a bit of a whinger, she was really keen for contact and play, but each staff member had a favourite who sat on their knee and whom they played with most etc. So I ended up with her a lot out of pity, she was such a sweetie too but they disliked her so neglected her.

That's the kind of thing, amongst many other examples, which I experienced and that's the reason I won't take my twins into any sort of childcare.

However, I am not the oracle and not all childcare facilities are like that, Cosywolf is my opposing factor on this and can testify to good care at her local nursery.
If you can, use my experiences as cautionary tales and hope you land somewhere far better.
Best of luck I hope it is great.

I am looking at Teddies on Kenwood Road Nether Edge on mOnday. Does anyone have any feedback on this one?
Thanks

my 16 month old girl has been going since january, no problem, she really enjoys it, daily reports always have a line or 2 saying what they get up to. rooms are well mixed.

As Zebra says, I am pro-nursery, I just think you need to be picky about which one you choose, and not shy about talking to them about what you expect.
My child attends a fantastic nursery and has done since he was 5 months old. He loves it there, loves the friends he's made and the staff who look after him. We've decided to keep him there through till he starts school rather than take a free place at the school's nursery.

Just do your homework, pick a few possibilities, speak to other parents, go along yourself, ask about the things that are important to you - discipline, food, development, etc. - and spend time there.
There are good and bad nurseries and good and bad childminders. I do think it's a pity to denigrate an entire form of childcare simply because it isn't your first choice. For someone else it's the right choice.

Don't be affraid to ask questions. A lot of nursery managers advise you to make a list of questions to take with you so that they can answer them.

I would look at the following
1. Routine- space in the room, the structure of the unit, how it is set out
2. The care plan's in place- feeding, sleeping, nappys
3. The observations and development files
4. The activity's being offered to children
5. The attitude of the staff, how they are with the children and other members of staff
6. The noise level should be somewhere between quiet and just above normal depending on the time of day
7. The staff ratios
8. The cleaniliness of the building, the state it is in, any maintenence et.c
9. The safety features are all there- plug socket covers, stair gates, gates to bathrooms/kitchens e.tc
10. The general vibe of the place- trust your instinct.

Hi

My 19 month old has been at Kidz@Work nursery at the Aiport Business Park for about 6 months and he totally loves it. I can't recommend the nursery and level of care given by the staff highly enough. He has come on in leaps and bounds since he started going. Before that he was with a childminder 3 days per week but he never settled with her.

Also I can log on to a secure webcam at any time of day to see if he is ok or what the little rascal is up to! Gives me great peace of mind.

Hi

Just looking for some inspiration really.....and a moan in general

My child starts carfield in January - my partner works full time and I have currently just finished training and am looking for work - this will probably need to be full time too cos we can't survive on one wage

we can't find a childminder and after school club is full

what are we meant to do????!!!!!!!!

Can't afford for one of us to give up work - as yet have had no success trying to find a "school hours friendly" job

Help!!!!!!!!

my 16 month old girl has been going since january, no problem, she really enjoys it, daily reports always have a line or 2 saying what they get up to. rooms are well mixed.

We went for a look round today and loved it. Kids seemsed very happy and confident, all coming out to say hello. A parent stopped to tell us how much she and her son loved it and just a really nice atmosphere.
Very low staff turn over and the lady who showed us round answered nearly all my (long list of) questions before I asked them.

Fingers crossed the kids take to it

will pm you name and number of my childminder - she picks up from Carfield

just visited one 2day and how young are the staff?!?! i know its being ageist but id rather someone who is past their teens, care for my child. someone has told me the one in town nr police station is good
i live in s6, so opinions on wharncliffe side, oughtibridge, and anywhere on tramroute would be brill

Depends what your after.

I visited loads with my sister who's daughter was starting the same time so we wanted the same one.

We visited loads - The one on Win Gardens which my sister loved I wasn't impressed (before you ask don't know why just didn't get the vibe). One in Stannington (top) again sister loved it but the sleep area in the baby room was sooooo small and I thought it felt damp, Daisy Chain at Oughtibridge sounded nice, Elmore was good but I had heard bad stories.

We eventually went for Corner House - daughter seams to love it when she has actually been dropped off. Like all nurseries they are running a business and are doing it to earn money. My daughter cries when she gets dropped off but she only goes 1 day a week when she does more she is OK.

Leaving work and being a house wife isn't an option so no point even thinking about it she has got to go somewhere. In my view the staff are young but it is a young profession and a specialist one if you ask me I wouldn't look after someone else's kids and listen to neurotic mothers day in day out.

Daughter always appears to be happy and playing nice when I pick her up. Not sure what I am going to do in a couple of years because one of the women in the older room I just don't like don't know why but she has one of those faces I just take a dislike to.

All you can do is visit as many times as you like and ask all the questions you like don't worry if you ask the same thing a few times they won't mind.

BTW Kerry in the baby room is fab the kids love her.

Hey all

I will be starting a new job in Broomhall in January and was wondering if anyone uses any of the private nurserys in Broomhall?

I've got a few prospectus and will be visiting some of them but wondered if anyone has any reccommendation!

Much appreciated :)

I started a thread on the nursery at the northern general hospital and got masses of feedback, most of it bad so don't expect that many good opinions!
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=378824
go with your instincts though when u have a look around and try to get some opinions of the parents who have children in the nursery you look around.
yan x

Our little girl hasn't started yet (also due to start January 09), but we did quite a bit of recon in the area. We were impressed by Sheffield Hallam Uni's nursery, Sheffield Uni's nursery and Kids Unlimited (Lynda Ellis branch). We ended up picking Sheffield Hallam Uni's nursery as we got a really positive feel about the place and the staff, and their arts and crafts areas were awesome! My OH also works in education and their contracts can work around the academic calendar rather than the full year, which will save us a ton of childcare costs during holiday periods. They also have a massive, well equiped and secure outdoor play area which made me want to be a kid again!

We personally didn't like Broomhall nursery, Fairmount or Beech Hill.

Our daughter has been going to Kids Unlimited, Lynda Ellis, since she was 9 months old. She is now 19 months. She settled in really well and I have no worries leaving her in their care. She loves it and the staff are fantastic, in my opinion.

If you need anymore information pm me.

Hi my 3 yr old goes to broomhall nursery and childrens centre, its run by the council as it is one of the old state preschools that we used to go to part time, it now has extended child care sessions and status like a private nursery. Most of the staff have been there years and are very warm, friendly and experienced. This also means its not staffed by 17 yr olds on training with a high staff turn over as many private nurseries are. (not all i know) She has gone there form being 1 and loves it, its also probably a bit cheaper. One tip to ask when looking around is to ask what percentage of the staff are in training as this can give you an idea of the turnover etc,,, other goodones I looked at are the uni nurseries. Steer clear of Fairmount, my elder daughter went there, not good.

Joe has been going to Sunshine next door to RHH for a month now and so far we've had no probs (apart from his picking up a couple of bugs so far but apparently thats the norm?) He seems to have settled in great, hes only there for 2 mornings a week and seems happy to stay when i leave him - thank god, he's not cried yet! He's only 9 months old and is so chilled out its untrue.

Hi,

I am due with my first baby in December and have been told by several people that I need to book nursery, preschool and even junior school years in advance.

What is your advice and experience and where would you suggest I start out? Is it expensive?

I would prefer a place with grass playareas when outside (meaning, not only an asphalt playground and am looking in the areas around Nether Edge/Banner Cross/Woodseats/Millhouses/Dore and out towards Hathersage).

I appreciate any suggestions and advice as I am new to Sheffield and to the whole baby/mother scene:-)

Thank you!

It depends on the age at which you want your chlid to start. If it's relatively soon after birth you need to start looking soon at the baby nurseries to see which one you like the look of.

If you are thinking about pre-school from age 3 you have a lot more time to think about it. Once you get into the baby and toddler groups in your area you can ask the other parents and get a feel for waiting lists. In many of the private nurseries places come up regularly.

Private nurseries cost between £3 and 5 an hour, which you often pay monthly. Once your child turns 3 they get 15 hours free nursery from the beginning of the following term. This does not include holidays so if your child goes to private one you can often end up paying a lot still for extra bits and holidays. They may be introducing free nursery for 2 year olds so you may benefit from that.

Don't even think about worrying about primary school yet. You can't even apply until your child is 3 and you are sent a form telling you to put your choices down.
Some primary schools operate their own waiting lists- they are the voluntary aided ones but even if you are interested in those I wouldn't worry about that yet.

hello, i'm wondering if there are any nurseries/creches in the Sharrow/Netheredge/Heeley/Huntersbar area that would offer irregular childcare. i get offered work on a random basis and would like to find somewhere for littleangelbeast to go, seems like most places expect regular bookings. any ideas?
cheers m'dears x

I wish you all the best finding what you need. Have you been in contact with ask sid? They have loads of childcare listings. It is difficult for any provider to provide care on an adhoc basis due to providing approprriate ratios, and if they agree this set up with you, it may mean losing regular children in the future. Have you got friends who you could leave littleangelbeast with? If you paid them, then they may be able to take this on...
sorry not be bearing any better news.

Best wishes :)

Hi all

I am looking into Nurseries for my daughter for Sept 2009 when she will (just) be 3.
I am a student nurse at the moment and still hope to be next year and so ideally I need a nursery that takes children fairly early and until 4.30 or later.
My hours are not set so one that takes kids by the hour or something would be ideal but a lot don't so I guess that I would pay for a full 5 day week even when she may not be there (I get 7 weeks holiday per year and sometimes short days at uni but when on placement my hours could be all over the place but someone could be there to pick her up).

It would be ideal to have a nursery around the Eccy Rd area (the end where Collegiate Crescent is, nearest town centre), or maybe one not far from the Heeley area or maybe S8 (probably easier from near Uni or heeley than S8 though).

I would be entitled to some help towards fees from Uni and I believe kids get 15 hrs free aged 3-4 but the rest I would pay myself.

Any ideas? My friend uses a NHS nursery at NGH but it's too far for me, and another one uses the Kids Unlimited (I think that's it?) actually on campus but doesn't recommend it.

Thanks for any help, I am panicking already! x

Sorry I don't actually know of any good nurseries in that area but one to AVOID is Chantrey house nursey on Woodseats. A friend of mine's son went there when he was 4 and he absolutly hated it! He only stayed a month as the staff were so "mean" to him (his words!) My friend did report them to Ofstead who paid the nursery a visit and have told them that they have a lot of changes to make!

Have a look at Mylnhurst School. Don't be put off by the fact that it's fee paying as the free nursery scheme means you don't pay silly money. Our little fella loves it and it's more like school than nursery. They also have before and after school facilities which attract a fee but nothing to break the bank. Can't recommend Mylnhurst highly enough!

Sorry I don't actually know of any good nurseries in that area but one to AVOID is Chantrey house nursey on Woodseats. A friend of mine's son went there when he was 4 and he absolutly hated it! He only stayed a month as the staff were so "mean" to him (his words!) My friend did report them to Ofstead who paid the nursery a visit and have told them that they have a lot of changes to make!


I have noted your advice about Chantrey House Nursery in Woodseats S8. Dont though get that confused with CHANTREYLAND NURSERY in Norton S8, where my 2 eldest children had a happy and creative 6 years. I would recommend this family setting to yourself.

.....................................

Have a look at Mylnhurst School. Don't be put off by the fact that it's fee paying as the free nursery scheme means you don't pay silly money. Our little fella loves it and it's more like school than nursery. They also have before and after school facilities which attract a fee but nothing to break the bank. Can't recommend Mylnhurst highly enough!

My mum suggested this and I have e-mailed re: fees. but whilst I await the response would you know...

I based it on the fees of 08/09 so maybe a bit more but..

A full day was £40-odd. So I did that x 5. Then it says something about a 30% discount if you have 10+ sessions, so I minused that. Then the 15hrs free. Would that be right? If so it won't bve so bad.
The only thing is though, I would possibly need an earlier start than 8.35 and later than 3.30 so that's why it might not be any good but do you know of anything before/after these hours at all there?


Also to the person who said about Chantry House (sorry can't remember who now I am writing the reply!).. which one is that? My friend uses one on Woodseats which is like getting off near Dominoes Pizza and then across the road up a sideroad I think, dunno name. Is that it?

Thanks guys keep em coming will take all into account!

xx

Try montessori nursery, i went there when i was a little

Redissert, yes Chantrey House nursery is near Dominoes, it is on Chantrey Road.
The pricing you mentioned does sound about right, however, do you recieve Working Family Tax credits? If you do and depending on how much you recieve, you could get help towards the cost of child care from tax credits. It's worth giving them a call to find out.
Also, have you thought about getting a child minder, they offer much more flexible hours than private nurseries and are much cheaper!

There's two in Broomhall - on Broomhall Road, I think. Just behind Uncle Sams.

One's called Linda Ellis nurseries - Woodville Lodge and it does have private places, the other one's a bit further down the road. The Linda Ellis one is open 8 a.m. until 6 (or used to be).

Not sure of price.

G

The Collegiate Montessori on Psalter Lane do reasonably long hours and is quite near uni.

The best nursery (IMO obv.) is the children's house in Nether Edge, but their hours are 9 - 3.15, although I think you can pay to stay until 4 if you need.

I used Fairmount there's one on collegiate crescent and one near the hallamshire hospital, they were great and i had no problems at all. good luck

Hi all

I am looking into Nurseries for my daughter for Sept 2009 when she will (just) be 3.
I am a student nurse at the moment and still hope to be next year and so ideally I need a nursery that takes children fairly early and until 4.30 or later.
My hours are not set so one that takes kids by the hour or something would be ideal but a lot don't so I guess that I would pay for a full 5 day week even when she may not be there (I get 7 weeks holiday per year and sometimes short days at uni but when on placement my hours could be all over the place but someone could be there to pick her up).

It would be ideal to have a nursery around the Eccy Rd area (the end where Collegiate Crescent is, nearest town centre), or maybe one not far from the Heeley area or maybe S8 (probably easier from near Uni or heeley than S8 though).

I would be entitled to some help towards fees from Uni and I believe kids get 15 hrs free aged 3-4 but the rest I would pay myself.

Any ideas? My friend uses a NHS nursery at NGH but it's too far for me, and another one uses the Kids Unlimited (I think that's it?) actually on campus but doesn't recommend it.

Thanks for any help, I am panicking already! xI'd recommend looking for a childminder, I think they tend to be more flexible, are cheaper and your little girl would get far more attention than in a nursery. Most take employer vouchers for help towards fee's, and I would assume that the uni participate in one of these schemes.

You can find out where your local childminders are at the Childrens information service on Surrey Street (they've changed their name recently but I can't remember what they changed it too).

When my little one was 3, he went to a childminder at 8am, she took him to his free nursery place (at woodseats school nursery) at 1pm and I picked him up from there at 3.30, but I did have the option of having the childminder pick him up from nursery if neceserry and also dropping him off earlier.

Just re-read your post.

Regarding payment, I think that once a child is three then you get 5 x 2.5 hour sessions free a week. You also get childcare vouchers that are paid from your gross pay so you effectively get the tax back. I think it's about £50 a week - if you have a partner and they work, they can also claim childcare vouchers. Your employer has to have set up a scheme though.


G

Hi all

I am looking into Nurseries for my daughter for Sept 2009 when she will (just) be 3.
I am a student nurse at the moment and still hope to be next year and so ideally I need a nursery that takes children fairly early and until 4.30 or later.
My hours are not set so one that takes kids by the hour or something would be ideal but a lot don't so I guess that I would pay for a full 5 day week even when she may not be there (I get 7 weeks holiday per year and sometimes short days at uni but when on placement my hours could be all over the place but someone could be there to pick her up).

It would be ideal to have a nursery around the Eccy Rd area (the end where Collegiate Crescent is, nearest town centre), or maybe one not far from the Heeley area or maybe S8 (probably easier from near Uni or heeley than S8 though).

I would be entitled to some help towards fees from Uni and I believe kids get 15 hrs free aged 3-4 but the rest I would pay myself.

Any ideas? My friend uses a NHS nursery at NGH but it's too far for me, and another one uses the Kids Unlimited (I think that's it?) actually on campus but doesn't recommend it.

Thanks for any help, I am panicking already! x

Why is your friend prepared to send her child to a nursery she wouldn't recomend ?

Why is your friend prepared to send her child to a nursery she wouldn't recomend ?

Sometimes there are some issues with a nursery that you are not fully happy with but are not serious. However, to move a child from that nursery would cause more upset to the child - especially if the child is happy at the nursery.

Treetops Nursery is very good, we would recommend them highly - great staff too :)

It's on the corner of Kingfield Rd (ish) and Psalter Lane, so pretty near to Collegiate Crescent too. Find out more here (http://www.earlyyearscare.co.uk/our-nurseries.asp)

Sometimes there are some issues with a nursery that you are not fully happy with but are not serious. However, to move a child from that nursery would cause more upset to the child - especially if the child is happy at the nursery.

Well surely in that case it would be recomendable ?

Why is your friend prepared to send her child to a nursery she wouldn't recomend ?

She isn't , she is looking into moving her ASAP but a lot of places are full for the hours she needs and has paid so much upfront already. :)

I would highly recommend childrens centers -Broomhall(s10) and Tiddlywinks (s2) would be two in the areas you are looking. I would also recommend Grace Owen Nursery.

HELP SAVE OUR NURSERIES

The nurseries that maybe affected are:
Arbourthorne Tiddlywinks
Darnall community nursery
Ellesmere young children's centre
Manor childcare centre
Sheffield children's centre
Tinsley green nursery

Did you know that all of these nurseries are in danger of closing, some within the next 6 months, due to a lack of funding?

All of these nurseries are the only ones in their areas providing full affordable day care, along with a number of other services.

They are your community nurseries, run for you.
They are not out to make a profit

What will you do for childcare if your nuseries goes

If you would like to show your support for the nurseries on the list then please go to the nearest nursey on the list and sign there petition

PLEASE DONT JUST LET THESE NURSERIES BE CLOSED

The petition will be presented in the next city council meeting so ACT NOW.

Nursery on Eccy Road wouldnt be missed too much.

i know that were i live the children love to go and cant wait to go and dont stop talking about i just think it will be a shame to see the nurseries go

I really hope they dont close the Manor nursery my son went there and all the staff in there are absolute angels and bent over backwards for my son

Thanks for posting this Ryan, it is nice to see people supporting us community nurseries.

The petition is to help us to campaign for funding from the Government who have told community nurseries that we have to be self sustainable by 2010. We know and the Government know that this is not possible for nureries working within the most deprived areas of Sheffield. In order to do this we would have to put all our staff on minimum wage and double the nurery fee's that parents have to pay.

Thanks for your lovely comment MaggieMo :-)

From all the staff at Manor Community Chidcare Centre xx

Hello,

An easy way to find the nurseries in your area and to find out a bit about them is to contact the organisation I work for - Sheffield Information Link (some people will know us by our old name of Children's Information Service). We hold information of every registered nursery in Sheffield, as well as lots of useful information such as costs, how many vacancies they have, special needs experience among staff, languages spoken by staff, etc. We can also advise on accessing the Early Years Free Entitlement (15 hours free nursery education per week for 3-4year olds) and offer a guide on how to choose a nursery. We'd always suggest visiting nurseries in person to make sure you're happy leaving your child there. Our contact details are on the signature.

Hope this is helpful!

There is a creche in the centre in the park in Norfolk Park (S2), which charges per hour rather than sessions. It was £3 per hour last time I used it.

Hi my name is Amanda, I have two children this is just a message to say that these nursery that they are trying closes are more just nursery if it was not for the service provide I would not have the confidence and opportunity to be in employment.
This is my story.
I fist started attending tiddlywinks nursery for the mother and toddler group. The staff made me feel welcome and did not judge as I was a young mum. After having my second child I went back to working as a cleaner in the early morning, .but I just wanted to do something else so I stared attainting some short course at the Tiddlywinks centre to improve my skills and confidence. My children attended the nursery and crèche and they loved it. I went from attending short course to doing NVQ in child care and many more course this gave my the qualification to apply for jobs. I am know doing a job I love and my children uses the centre after school club and holiday play care. With out this service I would have to leave a job I love, as my Husband work different shift.
These nursery provide a service for the community and for people wanting to learn more for them to have the opportunity to do so.

There is a very reputable nursery on Psalter Lane called TREETOPS it has great opening hours and is highly recommended as a very fussy parent. My third child is due to start there in january.
They also have a nursery in s8 opposite the Kentucky I beleive that one is very good too.
GOOD LUCK.

We have got a facebook group now so please join us to show your support if you use facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=89888805388

Hi all

I am looking into Nurseries for my daughter for Sept 2009 when she will (just) be 3.
I am a student nurse at the moment and still hope to be next year and so ideally I need a nursery that takes children fairly early and until 4.30 or later.
My hours are not set so one that takes kids by the hour or something would be ideal but a lot don't so I guess that I would pay for a full 5 day week even when she may not be there (I get 7 weeks holiday per year and sometimes short days at uni but when on placement my hours could be all over the place but someone could be there to pick her up).

It would be ideal to have a nursery around the Eccy Rd area (the end where Collegiate Crescent is, nearest town centre), or maybe one not far from the Heeley area or maybe S8 (probably easier from near Uni or heeley than S8 though).

I would be entitled to some help towards fees from Uni and I believe kids get 15 hrs free aged 3-4 but the rest I would pay myself.

Any ideas? My friend uses a NHS nursery at NGH but it's too far for me, and another one uses the Kids Unlimited (I think that's it?) actually on campus but doesn't recommend it.

Thanks for any help, I am panicking already! x

Kids unlimited nursery is not based on the campus and has no connection to the uni.We have operated for nearly 20 years and have excellent feedback from both current and previous parents.Many children who attended the nursery recently came back for a reunion and all had very fond memories of their time spent with us.We invite anybody who is requiring an excellent standard of childcare to call in and see us however places are limited another good sign of how good our service is.

I can't recommend the Grapevine on Guernsey Rd highly enough. It's opposite Dunelm Mill. Ifyou do a search in the Parenting group, you'll find some good ideas and opinions :)

Go and check them out on more than one occaission hun

Well surely in that case it would be recomendable ?

Kids unlimited nursery is not based on the campus and has no connection to the uni.We have operated for nearly 20 years and have excellent feedback from both current and previous parents.Many children who attended the nursery recently came back for a reunion and all had very fond memories of their time spent with us.We invite anybody who is requiring an excellent standard of childcare to call in and see us however places are limited another good sign of how good our service is.

Hi..

I must be getting confused the, I don't know, the one I am on about has no Uni connection but is in the same area as the various buildings of the Collegiate Campus. My friend is just one person's opinion so please don't anyone be put off...the main reason I didn't look further into it was that there were no places left for next year for the times I needed so this suggests it is very popular. Sorry, no offence meant (if it was even your nursery I was thinking of!) :)

Meersbrook Bank School Nursery is FAB. They do full days now but don't start till 8.30am. It could be good for some of the days go and take a look their really friendly.

I used Fairmount there's one on collegiate crescent and one near the hallamshire hospital, they were great and i had no problems at all. good luck

Do not use fairmount!

They are awful, the staff turnover there is ridiculously high and all the owners are bothered about is by making as much money as possible by charging relatively high fees and paying staff the absolute minimum (hence high turnover.) Management do not appear to care bout the quality of care children receive and although Im sure the same cannot be said of many of the staff who work there it makes it very difficult to implement when management aren't bothered!

One of my friends took her daughter to treetops and loved it but other than this i don't really know anything about it.

Yes Treetops on Psalter lane is a great nursery the manager there is very knowledgable and is always there to speak too,the staff all say hello when you arrive and most of them have been there throughout my childrens four years at the nursery. I would give her a call and have a chat,her name is Lisa. Lots of the staff have children of their own so are extremly caring towards the children.
Hope this helps you.

Can i just let everyone know that we have arranged a councilor to come and speak to us on the closure of the nurseries friday night and we need the backing from anyone so if anyone can come to the meeting come as we do need numbers to show that we mean business. 18.30

chuch of the holy family
eastern drive
18.30

Thanks for posting this Ryan, it is nice to see people supporting us community nurseries.

The petition is to help us to campaign for funding from the Government who have told community nurseries that we have to be self sustainable by 2010. We know and the Government know that this is not possible for nureries working within the most deprived areas of Sheffield. In order to do this we would have to put all our staff on minimum wage and double the nurery fee's that parents have to pay.

Thanks for your lovely comment MaggieMo :-)

From all the staff at Manor Community Chidcare Centre xx

My son goes to your nursery and I couldn't praise them in 'spring babies' anhy higher. My son has come on leaps and bounds and is a right social animal and a lot of that must be down to the excellent staff you have there. Keep up the good work!:thumbsup:

My son goes to your nursery and I couldn't praise them in 'spring babies' anhy higher. My son has come on leaps and bounds and is a right social animal and a lot of that must be down to the excellent staff you have there. Keep up the good work!:thumbsup:

Thank you Camrat78!

It's comments like this that we need from parents so we can show this silly money wasting council where they should be putting their money!

There will be a huge demonstration on the Town Hall steps on Wed 3rd December at 1.30pm sharp. We need as many parents, carers, grandparents, kids, babies ... with their plaquards to show that we mean business! We can't let these nurseries close - where will we send our children? I know I for one cannot afford Private nursery fee's!

I am a full-time working mother and need to place my baby into the nursery from Mon-Fri.
I just wonder how everyone cope with the nursery fees. In my case, the nursery fees for my one baby are £ 34 for full days and I have to pay around £840 monthly. We are wondering if this is the amount of nursery fees if you put your baby full time. Or do people normally take break in their career and look after children to save this cost?
Until what age do we have to pay this amount of money?
We are really wondering how to cope because there seems no other way than putting her in the nursery. Would be happy to hear your case.

Hi

It's a big cost isn't it? My son's nursery costs slighty more than that per day.

Thankfully after 3yrs old you do get 15hrs free per week which does help,.

Also check if you and your partner's work do the child vouchers scheme where you pay for childcare through your wages ( you get a voucher to spend) and you get a bit of a tax break. That helps a little.

I took the first year off work then went back part-time and costs were nearly £500 a month. Thankfully my part-time wage was still worth working for and it's been a case of "well we don't pay it forever". And as I said when he reached 3 yrs old there was a drop of about £150 a month cos' he got 15hrs free.

My son goes to a nursery just 1/2 a day a week, 9-11.30. That costs just £6.50.

Check if your entitled to any help from tax credits?

when i had mini in full time as a baby it was £150 a week thats mon-fri 8am -6pm.gets a little cheaper as they get older due to the staff/child ratios.

How about looking for a Child minder in your area instead! They are far cheaper about £3 per hour, they are now fully checked by the police etc and knowing a few childminders myself they are so caring!

We decided to go with the nursery rather than childminder-we wanted her to be interactive with other kids rather than being taken care by the same person. Yes, childmider could be more cheaper, but I am concerned that she would not be able to learn to communicate with other kids. Let me know your views.
By the way, it sounds my nursery is quite expensive!

i am a childminder and the children do communicate with other kids i have 2 year old and a 3 and a half year old i take care for the 2 year old as been with me 8 months and wasnt talking now hes taking say everything and he is out off nappys as we go to play groups,soft play areas.frams parks we are also round other children it all depends on wot the childminder does with the children but my parents are every happy with their sons progress hope you find a nice nursery for your child good luck

I very much remember my bestmate went to collect her 2 girls from the CM one Friday to be informed that she couldn't look after them for the next few weeks cos' she was off to the USA on hols. My mate had to take unpaid leave from work which was huge cost that she could ill afford and nearly lost her job over it. Lots of stress for her.

I know this is a rare case but it made me think that CM's have holidays so do I have to match mine to theirs? They are ill so I'd have to take time off work...etc..

Saying that I know some great childminders... It's like everything in life, you need to do your research very well...

I very much remember my bestmate went to collect her 2 girls from the CM one Friday to be informed that she couldn't look after them for the next few weeks cos' she was off to the USA on hols. My mate had to take unpaid leave from work which was huge cost that she could ill afford and nearly lost her job over it. Lots of stress for her.

I know this is a rare case but it made me think that CM's have holidays so do I have to match mine to theirs? They are ill so I'd have to take time off work...etc..

Saying that I know some great childminders... It's like everything in life, you need to do your research very well...

this can happen with nurseries aswell, i went to my nursery one friday to be told that they were shutting at 6pm that day for good!!! they had known about it since the monday but chose not to tell anyone.

Mini is onto her 4th nursery. 1st was in sheffield was not bad but she broke her leg and they did not notice! we left cause i was moving back to Glasgow but would have probably moved her anyway if i was not moving.

2nd was the one that shut down

3rd was awful very dirty staff were scrubbers and mini was alway always ill.. she had a convulsion at nursery and they done nothing but strip her, no doctor or anything. next time she had temp they stripped her to cool her when i got there she was blue!

4th nursery is fab, staff are great they cook meals and generally really happy with it. putting Nathan into this one when i am going back to work :)

so although you hear horror stories about chilminders some nurseries are worse. I know a childminder in sheffield and she bends over backwards to help the parents even at very short notice.

oww Savbaby shame you can't "name and shame them"....what area of Sheffield were they in?? (then people could PM you for names if they could be using them??

as far as cost goes the one i looked at today for mon-fri 8-6 was £168/week - looks like i can get about £50 woking tax credit towards this.

Babywiggle will be 8months if that helps.

My little one has just started nursery after a really bad incident with CM. I pay £78 for 3 days which is quite cheap however I have to provide all food except breakfast and all nappies and wipes. Most nurseries we looked at did seem to include these but the cheaper daily rate means it's not too big a deal.
Nursery is in an old school, nice atmosphere, only time will tell if it works out!
I used a CM from Feb up until last week, when she had an almighty paddy because payment was late.
I can't knock her as a CM but when she is saying to me at 8am in the morning ' I don't mean to sound cold but I don't care what's going on with your finances'. Then I question the motivation especially as she had also been hostile towards my partner as he dropped our daughter off 5 mins earlier.
Strange that when we've been in credit we've had to wait weeks for her to pay us back!!!
I pay using vouchers and due to both my partner and I changing jobs voucher was stuck in the system and arrived 4 days late, by that time bridges had already been burnt on both sides.
The worst thing i feel is that I had completed a questionaire for her upcoming ofsted inspection praising her quality of care, I now want to retract it as any CM who gives a child's place away with no notice can't be too concerned about the welfare of the child.
Sad thing is she will not give it back and there's nothing ofsted can do either!!
At least with a nursery it's a more professional relationship and they are more likely to work with you if there are any problems.

that a bit bad im a childminder and im very flexible sometime parent are late which cant b help my parents also phone me if later and sometime comes early but do me that doesnt matter better a little early than later hope your little one enjoys nursery

Thanks everyone. It sounds like both nursery and CM have good and bad sides-yes, it is a matter of luck, too. CM at first appeared to be more flexible. I had to pay for the nursery fee even my baby is ill and absent (even she gets bug from the nursery!)-can't bear 34 pounds fly away each day for nothing! They also call me at work whenever they have problems (looks to me that they do not know how to resolve the issue)-they do not understand that I have got a work and this is the reason why I am putting her into the nursery. I can't bear they are ringing my office every minute.
But I understand that these could be the same for the CM.
Yes please PM to me if you know any good nursery/CM.

let us know wht area . may be able to reccomend a few nice nursery. dont forget nurserys have waiting lists

They also call me at work whenever they have problems (looks to me that they do not know how to resolve the issue)-they do not understand that I have got a work and this is the reason why I am putting her into the nursery. I can't bear they are ringing my office every minute.
But I understand that these could be the same for the CM.
Yes please PM to me if you know any good nursery/CM.


Hmmmm - you might find that you are phoning them to see if little one is having a good time:). I phone every day to ask how my ES is doing. I have only ever been contacted if ES has been ill or an accident and in both cases I'd want them phoning me.

does anyone know if children have to be dry to attend rivelin nursery? Im stressing unnecessarily as my little girl has just turned 2, but refuses to use potty. Ive got a year left yet but just wondering what their policy was. Thanks.

I don't know about their particular policy, but I would suggest it is unlikely that they expect 2 year olds to be dry. 3 year olds may be, but 2 is not the norm, in my experience. Solve your query with a quick phone call to the nursery perhaps.

Most school nurseries will expect the children to be mainly trained unless there is a medical reason not to be (they will also expect the odd accident too at that age) - Im pretty sure Rivelin are like that. She is only 2 so I wouldn't stress about it too much yet:)

Really have to reply to a message I`ve just read bout Chantrey House Nursery. This is really unfair, my twins went to this nursery a three years ago from being 3 months old, the staff are fantastic, it really is warm and welcoming. The nursery is always being updated and decorated. In fact I`ve just had another baby and wouldnt consider going anywhere else. This is coming from someone who goes there, not who knows a friend of a friend etc etc

If you`ve not found a nursery try Chantrey House Nursery, my kids go there and its fantastic. Although I know its pretty full so you`d have to be quick. But its only full coz its good

My children go to Chantrey House Nursery and I have to say it is a fantastic nursery, the staff are always helpful and polite. The seem to have genuine feelings for every child there. Also the staff have been there years. The nursery was recommended to me and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone else. Also there is a waiting list for most days which I think speaks for itself!

Hi sorry forgot your name but noticed you are looking for a nursery for your child. I had a really bad experience at Scallywags Nethedge. It is badly run the owner is never there and there is a high turn over of staff. However, Chantrey House at Woodseats was recommended to me and I have to say it is FANTASTIC. The owner is always there the staff have been there for years and the place is always being decorated with new resources being added. Parents views are really valued and I cant speak hightly enough of it. Finding the right place can be a nightmare, I know, but I`ve found a gem.

Hi all

I am looking into Nurseries for my daughter for Sept 2009 when she will (just) be 3.
I am a student nurse at the moment and still hope to be next year and so ideally I need a nursery that takes children fairly early and until 4.30 or later.
My hours are not set so one that takes kids by the hour or something would be ideal but a lot don't so I guess that I would pay for a full 5 day week even when she may not be there (I get 7 weeks holiday per year and sometimes short days at uni but when on placement my hours could be all over the place but someone could be there to pick her up).

It would be ideal to have a nursery around the Eccy Rd area (the end where Collegiate Crescent is, nearest town centre), or maybe one not far from the Heeley area or maybe S8 (probably easier from near Uni or heeley than S8 though).

I would be entitled to some help towards fees from Uni and I believe kids get 15 hrs free aged 3-4 but the rest I would pay myself.

Any ideas? My friend uses a NHS nursery at NGH but it's too far for me, and another one uses the Kids Unlimited (I think that's it?) actually on campus but doesn't recommend it.

Thanks for any help, I am panicking already! x

Would really like to point you in the direction of Chantrey House Nursery at Woodseats if you have`nt found a nursery already. I left Scallywags at Netheredge, I cant begin to tell you how bad they were. I was at my wits end, every nursery I went to look at disappointed me and no way was I leaving my child where I wasnt happy. Chantrey House was recommend to me by a friend whos child goes there. It is brilliant, all the staff are lovely and friendly. They have been there for years. the owner is there every day and things never look jaded. Its always being painted and well looked after. If you havent found the right nursery yet please take a look. Youll love it.

Sorry I don't actually know of any good nurseries in that area but one to AVOID is Chantrey house nursey on Woodseats. A friend of mine's son went there when he was 4 and he absolutly hated it! He only stayed a month as the staff were so "mean" to him (his words!) My friend did report them to Ofstead who paid the nursery a visit and have told them that they have a lot of changes to make!

Hello everyone, Sorry dont normally do this but have to interfere with this one. My child used to go to this nursery, which by the way I think is wonderful. I was there one day in the pre school room where 3/4 year olds are to pick up my little boy. The staff were dealing with a very aggressive 4 year old, he was biting anyone in sight, throwing chairs and books at unsuspecting children and staff, generally on a complete rampage. The whole room looked like a bomb had landed. I have to say the staff dealt with this situation brilliantly. I know that the child left, I think it was for the safety of the other children, I did see him attempt to kick a couple of babies in the head as he was carried out. However, the staff managed to stop any damage being done. I think this comment is sour grapes from a disgruntled parent who wants to damage the nursery`s reputation. I know Ofsted did go in and found everything was fine. What I am trying to say is dont always believe what you read. By coincidence the boys mothers name was Kirsty also. What a surprise!!!!
Merry Christmas everyone.

Hello everyone, Sorry dont normally do this but have to interfere with this one. My child used to go to this nursery, which by the way I think is wonderful. I was there one day in the pre school room where 3/4 year olds are to pick up my little boy. The staff were dealing with a very aggressive 4 year old, he was biting anyone in sight, throwing chairs and books at unsuspecting children and staff, generally on a complete rampage. The whole room looked like a bomb had landed. I have to say the staff dealt with this situation brilliantly. I know that the child left, I think it was for the safety of the other children, I did see him attempt to kick a couple of babies in the head as he was carried out. However, the staff managed to stop any damage being done. I think this comment is sour grapes from a disgruntled parent who wants to damage the nursery`s reputation. I know Ofsted did go in and found everything was fine. What I am trying to say is dont always believe what you read. By coincidence the boys mothers name was Kirsty also. What a surprise!!!!
Merry Christmas everyone.

Ps I also had a huge problem with SCALLYWAGS NURSERY AT NETHEREDGE. DEFINATELY A NO NO.

I have noted your advice about Chantrey House Nursery in Woodseats S8. Dont though get that confused with CHANTREYLAND NURSERY in Norton S8, where my 2 eldest children had a happy and creative 6 years. I would recommend this family setting to yourself.

Not heard of Chantrey Land, however, Chantrey House is great my two kids also had a fantastic time there. I think you know if you like a nursery as soon as you enter. glad your kids enjoyed there time there

I'd recommend looking for a childminder, I think they tend to be more flexible, are cheaper and your little girl would get far more attention than in a nursery. Most take employer vouchers for help towards fee's, and I would assume that the uni participate in one of these schemes.

You can find out where your local childminders are at the Childrens information service on Surrey Street (they've changed their name recently but I can't remember what they changed it too).

When my little one was 3, he went to a childminder at 8am, she took him to his free nursery place (at woodseats school nursery) at 1pm and I picked him up from there at 3.30, but I did have the option of having the childminder pick him up from nursery if neceserry and also dropping him off earlier.

Would recommend Chantrey House at Woodseats, my baby goes there and I trust them completely, the staff also baby sit in the evenings at my home so me and my husband can go to the pics etc fantastic keep up the good work

Has anyone here had any experiences with Bright Horizons at Netheredge, it's also called Teddies?

Hello everyone, Sorry dont normally do this but have to interfere with this one. My child used to go to this nursery, which by the way I think is wonderful. I was there one day in the pre school room where 3/4 year olds are to pick up my little boy. The staff were dealing with a very aggressive 4 year old, he was biting anyone in sight, throwing chairs and books at unsuspecting children and staff, generally on a complete rampage. The whole room looked like a bomb had landed. I have to say the staff dealt with this situation brilliantly. I know that the child left, I think it was for the safety of the other children, I did see him attempt to kick a couple of babies in the head as he was carried out. However, the staff managed to stop any damage being done. I think this comment is sour grapes from a disgruntled parent who wants to damage the nursery`s reputation. I know Ofsted did go in and found everything was fine. What I am trying to say is dont always believe what you read. By coincidence the boys mothers name was Kirsty also. What a surprise!!!!
Merry Christmas everyone.

As I said, it was a friend of mine who told me about HER child being unhappy there. Her name is not Kirsty and how do you know that the mother of this child is called Kirsty? I think there is Confidential information issues going on there!

As I said, it was a friend of mine who told me about HER child being unhappy there. Her name is not Kirsty and how do you know that the mother of this child is called Kirsty? I think there is Confidential information issues going on there!

Tootlepips must work at the nursery to know the name of the mother of the child at the nursery, in which case, she is breaking confidentiallity laws by giving the mothers name, if she doesn't work there then the nursery are breaking confidentiallity law by giving her the name of the mother of the child at the nursery!
Do you really want to send your child to a nursery that give out confidential information about your child and family?

Has anyone here had any experiences with Bright Horizons at Netheredge, it's also called Teddies?

Also used by Sheffield's civil servants as their workplace nursery so you would have to get a child's name down about three years before he was born :o

I've never heard anything bad about any of the council owned nurseries, why not support one of those? SCC has even been featured in the Guardian.

We used Sheffield Information Link / Children's Information Service, it was great. We got lots of info about all the childminders and nurseries in several postcode areas. From the list we made visits to several nurseries and made our decision from our visits. I really think that is down to personal preference and you need to visit several so that you can make comparisons.

No I do not work in child care and no there is no confideniality issue going off here, sorry to disappoint everyone. OOh wot a stir, Sorry if got it wrong, me all over I guess . Sorry if offended anyone.

Tootlepips must work at the nursery to know the name of the mother of the child at the nursery, in which case, she is breaking confidentiallity laws by giving the mothers name, if she doesn't work there then the nursery are breaking confidentiallity law by giving her the name of the mother of the child at the nursery!
Do you really want to send your child to a nursery that give out confidential information about your child and family?

Sorry dont work in child care work for the inland revenue. I know the name of the mother because she USED to be my neighbour before she moved if it`s the same person. Which Kirst25 says it`s not so maybe I`m mistaken. Sorry for any misunderstanding thats me told.

Sav1, sorry dont know that nursery, but my friend sends her child to Hamilton House at Netheredge and she says there great.

There is Parkhead cottage nursery on Ecclesall road south, small but very home from home feel. Heard great reports about it! Manager and owner a loving, young Mum. Specialist in learning difficulties also involved there I believe and higher graded staff have been trained to very high standard. I have been in there a few times and every time the staff deeply involved in activities with the kids (not just sat around!..it happens)a very happy environment I found. Definatley worth a look. Good luck.

Which Nursery is the best one to go to? I've got a little boy of 2&1/2 Thorncliffe Park Nursery Chapeltown or Mazehill Burncross Chapeltown? I'm new to the area could anyone please help.. Thanks

Hi, my daughter goes to thorncliffe, shes 18 months.
have you been for a look inside/round yet.
where abouts do you live.?
how many days would he go?

she is active lo.
expensive though.

Hi, Thankyou for your reply.
Yes we have just been to look round Thorncliffe Park it's really nice we are also going to look round mazehill Nursery.
We have just bought a house off Bracken Hill. Top of burncross road. I've not lived here since about 14 years ago. My family live in this area.
So Mazehill would be nearer.
My little boy would only be going for a couple of days for 4 hours at a time.
I don't work at the mo also got a little girl of 11 months. My little boys been asking to go!!!

i have heard a lot of people moan about thorncliffe saying that there are to many young staff and they are constantly changing. i looked at thorncliffe for my daughter who is also 2 and a half but she is now at steps in high green, just up the road from thorncliffe.

hi thanks for that. Will have a look.

Hi,
We are going to visit the 2 nurseries tomorrow but wondered if other members had and good or bad experiences at either Hackenthorpe Hall or Moorlands (main road through Mosborough).

Your thoughts and views welcomed!

neither would be my choice but if i had to choose one it would be hackenthorpe, my favourite is the new one at halfway, oak valley. Spoke to a great manager who's full focus is on the children and the rooms were fab

pm101, a friend of mine has also mentioned a good nursery, not sure if it's the same, oak valley i think is the name?

My daughter went to hackenthorpe Hall from 15 months til she started school and i can't praise them enough. I entong them really caring the rooms are lovely and the outside play area. The meals are varied and my daughter has had a fab time and has been happy and cared 4! Her development was excellent and she is in front of a lot of the kids in her class at school with writing and reading . I couldn't have asked 4 better.

Hi can anyone recommend nurseries in S6.

I'm currently looking for one for my son who is 7 months old.

Thanks

hi cornery house is good they are on wadsley lane

Thanks I try them.

have you thought of having a childminder ??

I'm sure how to get one

We use the Fairmount at Hackenthorpe and my lil one loves it there, I'd def reccommend giving them a visit.

Hi just spoke to my friend and she has signed her daughter up at Oak Valley said when she went to view the others they were not as focused on the child as much the staff at the new one, guess everyone has to judge for themselves and you get a feel for a place, but she says oak valley is filling up quickly which is always a good sign.It must be the same one i think sunny123

pm101, i found out that it is on station rd and is definately called oak valley. same one then. Apparently sits back off the rd slightly. She told me it doesn't look that good from the outside but it's fantastic inside. You know what they say ' you can;t tell a book from its cover'. worth a visit.

Hi

I use Corner House and think it is fine the girls in the baby room are very good and my daughter loves it now she has moved to the next room.

My only draw back with Corner House is it seams to be very much about the money however I think this is the same in most places from what I can gather. All that aside I have only praise for the level of care and facilities at Corner House.

As for Child Minders I decided on nursery wanting my daughter to have the larger group experience and she has come on so much. If you decide on a child minder there is someone called Alison @ Loxley who always has good feedback not sure on her number but you can contact Children's Services I think for a list (someone please shout if you know the full details).

Thank you for all your post so far.

hi, my little boy goes to Bolehill Nursery, and is very happy there, the baby room is fantastic and the level of care is great. The staff are all very approachable and dont mind phoning every 5 mins to make sure they are ok.

I sent my little boy to the Moorlands Nursery ay Mosborough and I wouldn't recommend it, 9 times out of 10 he'd come home wet and in clothes that I'd not sent him, the clothes were never returned either, it got to the point where he sobbed he didn't want to go because he didn't like it. This is going back 3 years now but I believe it's been taken over although i still wouldn't send my new baby there after the first experience!

Hi!

Sorry for this but I am confused! Right, DD is 2 at the mo, 3 in August.
I am on mat. leave for baby no. 2 now, fron Uni, until late November I think.

As DD will be 3 and a bit and the family member who looked after her while I worked etc. will be looking after the younger child, she will go to nursery.

So anyway, Uni helps funding with childcare. I also read about these free hours (15 max?) than children of 3-4yrs (correct me if I am wrong) are entitled to.

We planned to send her to a private nursery- (Mylnhurst) when I go back, and this will be full-time. Or at least I would have to pay full-time as it is a ful-time course and timetables are all different, so would be paying for a full week even if I was planning to maybe take her in only half days some weeks if I was off uni etc.

I gathered I will pay the full cost they charge (minus the free hours), and then Uni will help with a part of the cost I actually pay, me the rest.

Anyway I wondered how the nursery hours work... I have been told that she won't be entitled until Jan '10- I thought it would be Sept '09 (3 in August). If it IS Jan and I have to go back to uni in Dec, I will have to incur the full cost or work something out, but that is something I will work out then. I just assumed it'd be from Sept (even if so she wouldn't be going until Dec as I won't get funding from Uni until then as will still be on leave).

Also, although I am happy with the nursery, I am worried about costs. Ideally she would be in a nice local nursery, part-time, but we chose that one as it's sort of near where I go to Uni (not very close though) and I will HOPEFULLY be able to drive by then to drop her off/pick her up on the days I can. It doesn't open early enough for what I may need sometimes (if I am starting work at 7am), so my OH will have to drop DD off with my mum (OH's mum will have the little one) who has said she will get her there time (bless her- she lives near Birley and doesn't drive but will take her on the bus).

My OH's mum said I should get her in at a nursery near her (Heeley) that OH went to but I don't like it. She won't travel around with a baby and DD to take her to nursery, she only said that as she could walk there and back. Not that I expect her to!!

So.. I live at Batemoor, OH's mum who will have baby lives at Heeley, my mum lives near Birley and DD's nursery near Eccy Rd (diff end to where my Uni is which is right near town). It is going to prove difficult to get DD there on the days where I am on placement for example at 7am unless we drop her off at my mums at a really silly hour (OH would have to drop both children off at different places before he starts work at 7.30- this is if he has the same job or even a job at all by then), then mum would have to trail on several buses to take her there and the go home, then go to her own job in the afternoons. OH should be able to pick her up as normal. On the days where I am not in uni or am in but not until, say 9am, I should be able to get her there ok, even if I can't drive by then (grrr), and again she would be picked up on time.

I just wondered if there are any good, part-time local nurseries near Heeley Green (only here as OH mum may take her but not if it's far or involves a bus). Or any nurseries opening early? Doesn't have to be private ones.

Final question.. if she was in a normal nursery, part or full-time, do you still pay? Do you use nursery free hours or is it all free?

Sorry about all this, I am worrying sick. It seems it will only be a problem taking DD to nursery if I am on placement at 7am and he is still in a job starting anytime before 9 (which is likely). And I can't just not take her as placements are anything from 5-12wks long.

It all depends when that particular nursery's term (state term) starts, so my little boy was 3 at the end of Jan and goes to a private/state nursery 1/2 a day a week (just so he has some time away from us to play and make friends) and they will take him for 15 free hours but not until April when the official term starts. There is a nursery on the end of our road that is also attatached to the infant/middle school that we want himt ot go to but there term doesn't start until September, so the plan is let him stay where he is and Have 15 hours free (2 full days and half a day) from April-September then in September let him go to the closer nursery for 5 mornings a week.

Your free hours start from the first term after they turn 3. This will vary nursery to nursery, I guess.

They get up to 15 hours free, but less if they don't attend full time.
Private nurseries still charge a nominal fee for food and administation.

It isn't just any old 15 hours, it tends to be sessional...i.e. my son does five 3 hour sessions a week: monday 9-12, Thursday 9-12, 12-3, Friday 9-12,12-3.
This can make it interesting if he doesn't attend full time, because for instance, my son was previously doing thurs and fri 8-5. Had we continued that, we would obviously still be paying for the 3-5pm slots. More confusingly, if we had only sent him for the 9-3 sessions on thurs and fri, he wouldn't have been attending enough hours to get the full 15 'free hours', so he had to do the mon session as well for us to get the free hours. Bear with me, lol!
When I go back to work in March, I work 4 days, not Mondays. But if I want to get the full 15 hours, I will probably still have to send him on a Monday morning.

Your best bet is to speak to your nursery and ask them to help you figure out what the best way for you to do it is. They have all the bizarre figures for how many hours you need to do to get what, etc, and know when their sessions are run..

As far as which nursery, in your situation, I wonder if it would be better for you to look at a childminder instead of struggling with all this juggling. A good childminder would still be able to drop off and pick your child up from nursery for their free sesions - school, or private - so they got the benefit of nursery, but would also be able to deal with early and late hours and have more flexibility than full time nursery, or even your mum.

Good luck whatever you decide :)

Ah thank you for your replies so far!
It's a toughie.. on the one hand I want her to mix with kids, instead of stuck in with boring adults all the time, but maybe full-time is too much?
Then again, apart from when I am on placement, even though I would have to pay for full time (the nursery she is on at do a discount if you have a full 10 sessiosn a week, plus the nursery hours), I wouldn't have to send her 5 days a week, full time. I would just have to pay my part for it obviously.

Childminder is a good thing to think about, so then we would have the one fee to pay the childminder and DD could go to nursery just for however many hours are free so no charge from them, too? Is that right? Then I guess I could, for example, look for one closer to me or Woodseats and try to get DD a place in a local, non-private nursery?

I would again have to commit to so many hours from the CM as the uni pay childcare part of the bursary and so they need to base it on constant hours.

It is all so confusing!! Added to the fact that the little one will be about 7 months when I go back, if OH's mum isn't well enough to cope (she has hernia probs) then I will need childcare for that one also, although I wouldn't really want to leave a baby that young with anyone other than relatives, I know it's what many people do.

Childminder is a good thing to think about, so then we would have the one fee to pay the childminder and DD could go to nursery just for however many hours are free so no charge from them, too? Is that right? Then I guess I could, for example, look for one closer to me or Woodseats and try to get DD a place in a local, non-private nursery?
I believe school nurseries are free, yes. So you would pay your childminder, who could drop your child/ren off and pick them up for you.

I would again have to commit to so many hours from the CM as the uni pay childcare part of the bursary and so they need to base it on constant hours.

If you're having to commit to hours you're not working, use them for shopping/cleaning/sitting and remembering what it's like to have a few hours to yourself :)

It is all so confusing!! Added to the fact that the little one will be about 7 months when I go back, if OH's mum isn't well enough to cope (she has hernia probs) then I will need childcare for that one also, although I wouldn't really want to leave a baby that young with anyone other than relatives, I know it's what many people do.
Probably another good reason to look at using a childminder. A school nursery probs won't have space for a baby? Not sure on that one. But at least with a childminder you have the luxury of some flexibility and if you're nervous about leaving the baby in a nursery, the knowledge that it is one to one care.

Saying that, my oldest started nursery at 5 months, and my latest will start at 6 months. It was a hard thing to do, but I had no choice. Happily, my oldest loves his nursery, has had pretty much constant care from the same people for 3 years, and absolutely loves the socks off them and all his friends there. I can't see any reason it wouldn't be the same for his little brother.

Hi!

Yep, see the plan was for youngest to be with OH's mum. She is a great grandma but she has had hernia probs since October and at present is too big to operate on, so until she has lost 6stone and got it sorted it's touch and go when she will have pain/tummyache and decided she can't sit that day, which is no good for me. I don't expect her to sit for me, I am lucky she loves to but if she physically can't I can't have her ringing the night before asking if my friend/mum can have DD (well, it wouldn't be DD, it'd be baby) like she did last Autumn. No fault of her own but it's not reliable. She said she would take DD to nursery if I got her in at one near her house but I don't like it, and can't see her pushing the double pram down to nursery, back up, down to fetch her, back up, if she can't even get off her bum to go shopping with his dad or walk to the local shop? She said she did it all when they (him and his bro) were little but that was 2+ decades ago! She is so lovely and doesn't think that DD should even go to F/T nursery at 3yrs old. I mentioned to CM thing earlier (for both kids for ease) and about a CM taking DD to normal nursery for a few hours a week and she seemed a bit disappointed but I have to think what is best for the kids and me financially. Also it is hard work with a child, she knows this herself and if she takes ill again there is no way she could cope with looking after baby let alone DD some of the time and walking up and down to nurseries!

Now to find out about CM's.. I have posted on the thread in here. Probably premature of me if she is not needed until Nov/Dec but I am panicking already, still have months to go but there's the nightmare of form filling for uni etc. to do for the childcare, too.

If this works out I could have a CM, probably from about 8 until 5 M-F. Now if I work at placement at 7am and OH is still in an early start job I would need one to work from some silly hour, probably 7am (he starts at 7.30). I would probably then pick them up earlier than 5pm anyway, maybe on the days I need a 7am start agree to pick them up at 4, so I can keep the same number of hours per day? Does this make sense? Sorry I ramble on, I am trying to work it out in my own head! Then ideally she would take DD to a nursery near her/me in the afternoons?

OMG who knew having kiddiwinks would make it so much more difficult to plan stuff!?! Onlly kidding.. worth every second but I didn't think of all this until now as I have only been in uni a few months and Dd has always been cared for by his mum until now. Shame she isn't a registered CM herself if she was fit enough as she loves kids and I know it will upset her to have a CM looking after the little one instead of her.

You could ensure she spends plenty of time with the kids on weekends/evenings/holidays.

My parents in law look after both of mine two days a week, they (will) go to nursery two days a week. Perhaps you could sort one or two days a week when it would be less of a faff for her to look after them?
I know how you feel to some extent, my MIL has Parkinsons, and it's a fine line between knowing she desperately wants the kids/worrying about her health/worrying that she won't tell me if she can't manage.

You aren't doing this too early, you'll feel better when it's all sorted. You've given yourself time to investigate all the possibilities.
I'm sure a CM will come on eventually and give you more info on that option.

The little School House nursery in Woodseats opens at 7.30am and I,ve heard good things about it, might be a solution for you

Your child will be entitled to their free 15 hours a week from September. The cut-off date is 31st August :)

Have read threads about other nurseries in eckington and mosborough not good,looking for a place for two days for my niece, she's 2 any ideas.
Thanks:help:

I dont understand why my post has been moved i started a new topic.
thanks for my pm but no offence my sister prefers nurseries but again thankyou for your job interest.
so can anyone help with knowledge of nurseries in Halfway,Mosborough or Eckington

Hi there,
I live in S11 and am looking for a place (possibly!) to take little one in September when he's 1. Have been to see Treetops (which I liked) and KidsUnLimited (which I didn't) and off to see Montessori Collegiate and Teddies next week. Parkhead Cottage is all booked up for littlies until October 2010 (which is a shame for me because I know a friend who works there and it is very lovely!).
Any other recommendations?

Grapevine on London Rd (really, looks like it's on Chesterfield Rd, near Dunelm Mills) is probably the better choice around here - I have a friend who works in Child Care and she says that it's the only one in this area she would send any future kids to, as they offer excellent facilities, all staff are trained and they offer a excellent education, don't just let the kids sit like lemons waiting to go to school...

My two penneth for what it's worth. The Sheffield Hallam University nursery on Broomgrove Road, number 19 I think it is (off Ecclesall road, the next road up from collegiate cresent) is where my child currently goes. He's been going there since September since we moved him from Scallywags. It is available to the public, not just students. I can't praise them highly enough. They are absolutely fantastic. Our child is completely different from the one that left Scallywags. I don't think it's too expensive either. We pay £388 per month.

Hi

I have two children at Grapevine nursery and can more than recommend it. My eldest has nearly finished and he really benefited from it's educational style. My youngest has very specific dietary and medical needs which they have been brilliant with.

The staff are out of this world. The best trained in the area . They are also compassionate and competent at dealing with terrible twos at the same time!

In terms of facilities they have excellent educational routines which make learning fun. At the moment they have an incubator full of eggs from Whirlow farm. The children are monitoring them each day. My eldest is more informed about vegetable growing and recycling than I am! They also have access to computers and other learning technology.

The nursery is split into three distinct and separate rooms. Baby, toddler and older children. Each room has specialized staff. What I especially like is there is a gradual integration between each room with visits.

My eldest is off to school soon. But we have been kept up to date with a daily report, and parent style days where we learn what he is good at and where he has specific skills. This is all done in a fun but educational way. But most importantly has prepared him for school. And maybe me too!

The manager/owner Liz is experienced and approachable. There is lots of opportunity to give feedback too.

My kids also love it. Which is the most important thing!

I am given to understand her name is 'Elizabeth' tho - Or maybe she'll accept her name shortened by people who are paying her money! Professionally she pulls people up on that... But she is very professional - and her staff retention is second to none as they get a decent wage compared to others in area...

I've only ever known her as Liz!

But you're right about staff retention. There are quite a few there who have been there since it opened.

My daughter is at Grapevine also, in her 2nd month now and she is 9 months old.

they are great and she really enjoys it, if there are any problems or if she has an accident they let you know when you collect.

i had to collect her early yesterday as they phoned saying she had a rash:(
she's ok but we are taking her to the docs today to make sure shes ok and not contagous.

when i went in she looked like she didnt want to leave, so cute, just looking at me so confused.

I'd highly recommend trying grapevine, although they are very full at the moment we where lucky to get in :)

One child not liking a nursery doesn't make it a bad one!

The OP asked for recommendations.

Our eldest 2 went to Treetops and loved it, however our youngest just didn't settle there and we ended up with a childminder who was excellent.

I would go and have a look at a selection and also check their Offsted reports either online or when you visit. They should have a copy to view.

Isn't there a nursery linked to the Hospitals that is very flexible?

Check to see if your employer does the salary sacrafice scheme, it can save you quite a bit each month. You can sacrafice upto £243 per month at source which is not taxed.

I was appauled by your comments about Fairmount Nursery.
We have 3 children that have all attended the nursery over a period of 8 years. Due to the nature of our work, we were clear on what we expected from a highly professional, well established nursery. After looking at many, it was clear that this nursery would provide the high standard of care and education that we expected for our children.
We cannot praise the nursery and staff enough. The staff are experienced and many have been there for a long period of time. The management have always been welcoming and willing to help at any time.
I suggest that you look at previous OFSTED Reports before making such comments, as these reflect the high quality childcare that is provided.
Can I also point out that the nursery was established back in 1994, which obviously shows that it is well established and successful!!!

After reading all these different views on nurseries around sheffield I have come to the conclusion that whatever form of childcare is chosen by a parent, whether it be Nursery, childminder or nanny you have to feel comfortable. you just have a feeling when you find the right place,:love::love: as all children and babies are individual and have different needs ,so mums and dads go with your gut feelings their usually right.

Has anyone here had any experiences with Bright Horizons at Netheredge, it's also called Teddies?

My daughters 3 and 18 months both go here one day a week. They are very happy, the staff turn over is very low and they are friendly. We just had a good feeling when we walked in to look round.

PM101 - couldn't have put it better. I've been to see quite a few nurseries now. Some of them my friends send their kids to and are quite happy but I'm not sure they're right for me. Thanks for the advice everyone. Grapevine might be a bit of a stretch to drop the little one off at and still get to work on time, but I'll have a look. Teddies had an open day last Monday but I reckon the guy in charge there will let you look round whenever.

Does anyone have any childminder opinions or recommendations (bear in mind my little one will only be 1 when he goes)? That's my next thing to look at!

Thanks again for all advice. I've been in Sheffield for 9 years now but when it comes to things like this I still feel like such a newbie!

Hiya.
I'm looking for childcare 1 day per week (Wednesday) in the S8 area.
I was really intersested in getting my LO in the Grapevine as when I went to look around it I just 'felt right', plus I have only ever heard good reports about it. The only problem is the lady who runs is wont take my child only one day per week as she says he wont settle in.
I looked around Chantry Land on Bunting Nook but a friend advised me against it due to some problems she had with her daughter.
I looked around Chantry house also but got bad feedback from friends.
I need child care from about 7am till about 6pm so it's quite a long day and I'm struggling as most nurseries don't open till 730am.
Does anybody have any reccomendations for the surrounding area or know of any nurseries that open early?
Many thanks

how old is your child. you could try a nanny childminder

I'm looking for a childminder in S6, someone who people have had great experience of.

how old is your child. you could try a nanny childminder

16 months old. I want a nursery due to the fact that if a childminder is ill I'm going to have to find alternative childcare at the last minute which isnt that easy.

16 months old. I want a nursery due to the fact that if a childminder is ill I'm going to have to find alternative childcare at the last minute which isnt that easy.

When I worked as a childminder I was part of a childminders co-operative, which had play sessions each week where the children got to socialise and also to know the other childminders and children in the group. The reason for this was so that if a childminder went on holiday or was ill one of the other childminders could be asked to cover and the children would already know them. It worked very well, and I don't think there were any times when a parent was let down.

Hi there all, will hopefully be moving near Abbey lane/Chesterfield road soon. Little one is 3, will need to move nursery as current one will be too far away, any ideas on good ones? Just 2 or 3 sessions a week. Thank's very much:)

We use Greenhill Village Pre-school for DD1. It is a lovely pre-school and the staff are fantastic. They do Morning sessions for youngest children (3 year olds) and Afternoon sessions for older children (rising school age).
It is next to Greenhill Primary school, but not part of the school.
PM me if you want details.

Can anyone recommend any nurseries in the S5 area? Has anyone got any info on St Leonards nursery as thats quite close to me? Little one is nearly 3.

Also do you pay by the hour or session?

thanks very much!

Hi

Has anyones little uns gone to this nursery? Its the one on Halifax Road. Just wanting any feedback about it as thinking about sending my daughter there. Also is this one and the one at High Greave part of the same company? I think they are both called the same.

Thanks

hi my baby son goes to little rascals on halifax rd, all i can say is they are fantastic my son loves and and its always lovley to see his smiley face face i walk him to pick him up, alsohe has come a long way since going there and the staff are lovley

Thanks for that mummysaz. Do you know what ages they cater for? And also is it just one room they have or is it bigger than that?

Thanks for that mummysaz. Do you know what ages they cater for? And also is it just one room they have or is it bigger than that?

they have a few different rooms, toddlers, baby room then a few others but not sure what they are, they also have an outside area for the kids to play, they have snack times with lots of healthy food regulary read storys ect,hear them singing and dancing but obviously my sons a baby so he dosent do this lol the ages are from 3 monthsto 5 years double check on th 5 years thoughxx:thumbsup:

Can anyone recommend any nurseries in the S5 area? Has anyone got any info on St Leonards nursery as thats quite close to me? Little one is nearly 3.


We live along side Firth Park so the First Start centre there is of particularly interest to us as it's literally on our door-step, we have an initial appointment (not until July?) to just register but was wondering if anyone here has any feedback (especially on the waiting list which no-one there seems to be willing to associate any length to!).

Please PM me if need be.

Thanks,

Webkey

Waiting lists often operate according to date of birth so it depends on when your child was born as to where they will be on the waiting list :)

Going back to your query about childcare at Firth Park, First Start is quite difficult to get into, but the earlier you register your child the better.

My little girl went there I put her name down before it was even built. She got a place at 18 months old. She was 6 months old when I registered her.

There are quite a lot of other nurseries in the area, are you wanting a place for when your child is 3 and gets the free hours? Or do you need childcare before then because you are working/studying or want a break?

We live along side Firth Park so the First Start centre there is of particularly interest to us as it's literally on our door-step, we have an initial appointment (not until July?) to just register but was wondering if anyone here has any feedback (especially on the waiting list which no-one there seems to be willing to associate any length to!).

Please PM me if need be.

Thanks,

Webkey

Hi I used First Start for my daughter you need to register your child as early as possible. I registered mine when she was 6 months old she got a place at 18 months.

I have experience of other nurseries/childcare in the area if you need any info.

My girls love Kidsunlimited in Broomhall. Its small, but wonderful.

Sheffield Information Link can provide you with information of what childcare is available in your area along with the contact details, prices, opening times etc of each provider. We also produce factsheets about each type of provision so you can decide which, Childminder or Day Nursery, better suits your needs. If you would like to contact us (see details below) we can provide you with these up to date lists either by email or in the post.

Its recently dawned on me that perhaps I should put my daughters name down for a nursery - shes 3 in december! :blush:
Trouble is I've no idea where to send her. Her big sister is at a school a short drive away, its a lovely school (shes in y3 at the moment) it has the best test results in the area and she loves it there but there is no nursery attached.
At the top of our road is the primary school I went to. It was ok when I went there, and it has a nursery. I like the idea of her making friends close by, one of the saddest things when we moved is that our eldest doesnt live near any of her friends now. I also like the idea of getting to know others in the area. However, although the nursery is apparently ok, I've heard a few negative things about the school, and the test results weren't too good.
The other option (without looking at private nurseries) is another primary school with a nursery attatched. Its another short drive away, and usually I wouldn't have considered it, except a lot of children from the toddler group we go to are going there, including a close friends little girl. So the plus there is that she will know some other children.
Shes a very shy and clingy little girl, who doesnt interact with others very well, apart from her brother and sister.
Do I put her in one of the schools nurseries, and decide later whether to move her to her sisters school, and risk her leaving any friends she makes behind, or leave her in that school, at the risk of it not being as good?
Do I put her in a seperate nursery where I know I'll have to move her eventually?
Do all nurseries offer a 2 1/2 day option rather than 5 mornings / afternoons? I'd like to consider a part time job and that seems to be the best way of doing it?
My biggest issue I guess is that wherever she goes, it means I have 3 children at 3 different schools (my son is at a special needs school) which will obviously make things awkward at dropping off / collecting time!
I am going to look round what I can, and use my instincts I guess, but I don't have much time to dither about it!

I'm in a similar situation as you with deciding on where to send my DD. The school my DD will go to doesn't have a nursery attached to it, but does have a private one attached to it. It would have been my first choice, but after visiting it and the stories I have heard about it, it's totally a no go'er.

The next nearest nurseries are attached to schools, one is closer to my estate and would mean a 15 minute walk, but everyone off my estate (that I know anyway!), seems to send their little 'uns to the nursery that is farther away (30 min walk). But so far my impressions is the nearer one is better, as the further away one hasn't given me a good first impression, but yet it is raved about and more of my DD's future friends seem to go there. My choice would be the nearest one, as it's more convenient and given a good first impression, but the second one is still seems a good choice too as there will be more kids from this estate there. Oh, it's hard isn't it, to know what to do.

My thoughts on your situation would be that if your DD is shy, it might be better to start her in the nursery which has some children that she will know. Either way, it sounds like she is going to have to make new friends when she gets to her school. So a gentler start in to nursery (with ready made friends there), might be easier on her.

Hi

The biggest problem at the moment isn't so much about where to send a child but whether you can get them in. Don't know if it's a problem near you but where I live the local nursery has a temporary overflow to fit in all the three year olds!

My advice would be to put her name down as soon as possible at several different places, visit a few and make up your own mind. People tend to focus on negatives, what they expect from a nursery may not be the same as yours.

Another thing is nurseries attatched to schools can be quite different to the school itself, because the children attending the nursery may not go to that school. Don't worry too much about friends children change friends all the time and are much more adaptable than us.

If you are worried about her settling is there a local playgroup or creche you could try her at just for a couple of sessions a week?

Most school nurseries, that is local authority nurseries, don't tend to do full days, just the morning or afternoon sessions. Other nurseries do including children's centres.

Perhaps the place to start is Sheffield Information Link who'll be able to send you a list of local nurseries.

Good luck keep us updated.

My daughter will be 9 months old when I go back to work in July. I'm debating the merits of nursery vs childminder / babysitter as her dad works Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays, I'll probably only need 2 full days if my work is co-operative (not likely though) and I was wondering what everyone thought on the merits of nursery, childminders etc for a child so young... She does seem to enjoy spending time with other babies though, she's quite a sociable little girl. Also could anyone recommend a few of the above in the Batemoor / Woodseats sort of area?

My daughter will be 9 months old when I go back to work in July. I'm debating the merits of nursery vs childminder / babysitter as her dad works Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays, I'll probably only need 2 full days if my work is co-operative (not likely though) and I was wondering what everyone thought on the merits of nursery, childminders etc for a child so young... She does seem to enjoy spending time with other babies though, she's quite a sociable little girl. Also could anyone recommend a few of the above in the Batemoor / Woodseats sort of area?


Personally if it was me i dont think id send my child when i have one to a nursery after some of the things ive seen that go off in nurserys. I would take my child to play groups and play centres though where they can mix with other children but if it was me i think id personally have a nanny.
But i did work in one nursery on placement which i would say was a good nusery.

Personally if it was me i dont think id send my child when i have one to a nursery after some of the things ive seen that go off in nurserys. I would take my child to play groups and play centres though where they can mix with other children but if it was me i think id personally have a nanny.
But i did work in one nursery on placement which i would say was a good nusery.

Not an option for me I'm afraid as I have to work so can't be there to take her to play groups etc and can't afford a nanny as I'm on a very low wage. Plus I wouldn't feel comfortable with having a stranger in my house all day without me being there to supervise.

Not an option for me I'm afraid as I have to work so can't be there to take her to play groups etc and can't afford a nanny as I'm on a very low wage. Plus I wouldn't feel comfortable with having a stranger in my house all day without me being there to supervise.

The nursery i would reccomend is what used to be called endcliffe rise but there currently doing it up at the moment thats one i did placement at and it was really good...or montessori

Bit of an update - I visited the nursery closest to our home yesterday, the nursery was ok, not brilliant, and they didnt offer the 2 1/2 day sessions that I wanted. The start time was also very awkward, meaning she'd need to be dropped off at a time when hubby is taking the eldest to school and I'm waiting for the school bus for our son! The biggest drawback was the receptionist though - VERY snotty when we arrived at the school!
We went to see the other nursery where her friend will be going today, that was SO much better! Very friendly members of staff, my daughter even wandered off to look at some things without needing us to follow her! They do offer the 2 1/2 days and the start time is 9, so I would be able to manage to get her there on time.
I'm still considering looking at a couple of others, but I'm pretty certain unless they are absolutely amazing she'll be going to the one we visited today. I'd be happy sending her there!

Have you been to Steps Community Nursery?

www.stepsnursery.co.uk

Have you been to Steps Community Nursery?

www.stepsnursery.co.uk

Someone mentioned this to me today, I was unaware there was a mainstream nursery there!
Thanks for the link, I think we'll have to arrange a visit there!

Someone mentioned this to me today, I was unaware there was a mainstream nursery there!
Thanks for the link, I think we'll have to arrange a visit there!
It's actually a voluntary provider :)

Of course there is always the option of NOT sending her to nursery?

Of course there is always the option of NOT sending her to nursery?

I don't think that would do her many favours when it comes to school - she needs to learn to mix with other children and get used to me not always being there, at the moment I am always with her.

My daughter will be 9 months old when I go back to work in July. I'm debating the merits of nursery vs childminder / babysitter as her dad works Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays, I'll probably only need 2 full days if my work is co-operative (not likely though) and I was wondering what everyone thought on the merits of nursery, childminders etc for a child so young... She does seem to enjoy spending time with other babies though, she's quite a sociable little girl. Also could anyone recommend a few of the above in the Batemoor / Woodseats sort of area?

Hi Nik Nak

I know I'm biased being a childminder myself but i would definitely recommend using a childminder, especially for a child so young. Childminders are ususally very flexible, your child would be cared for in a very small group of children and have one consistent carer in a home based setting. Also childminders work with your child's routine not that of the nursery.

I think that children who are older benefit from going to a nursery setting in preparation for school though.

I don't know of any minders in the area you are looking at, you can get a list from Sheffield Information Link, also minders with vacancies advertise on Netmums.

Good luck!

I work for Sheffield CYPD supporting young mums in finding suitable childcare. This is the link I always use. If you put your post code in it fetches up ALL childcare providers in your area.


http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/whitebox/cis.asp?cisid=5124

Hi everyone

My dd is 9 months old and I was thinking of getting her into Meadows Childrens Centre Nursery in Longley.

Has anyone got their child into this nursery? Is it any good?

I am wanting her to go into nursery so I can start to look for a job but more importantly I want her to start playing with other children, interacting and socialising a lot more as at the moment she's always with me. She played with her cousin who is 4 yesterday for a few hours and she loved it thats why I've had a change of heart and thought nursery would be good for her.

She is also very clingy towards me and my husband and thought this would help her with that also?

Thanks

Hi

My 3 year old son goes here, been going since he was 23 months, he loves it, he only went for 1/2 day before that we paid for purley to give him someone to play with and bring his speech on and now he goes there 15 hours a week frr as he's 3 now. It's helped no end with his speech, I would really reccommend it.

PM me for further info if you like :)

I work for Sheffield CYPD supporting young mums in finding suitable childcare. This is the link I always use. If you put your post code in it fetches up ALL childcare providers in your area.


http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/whitebox/cis.asp?cisid=5124

Not entirely true... it will be most of them - but some will choose not to have their details on here (they don't have to).

Nik Nak, you need to clear some room in your inbox!!
I am a childminder who might be able to help you.
Thanks!!

I went recently to have a look around the Little School House nursery on Woodseats so thought I'd post my experiences for the benefit of others.

Generally a nice little nursery, just not quite right for us.

I am looking for a nursery in S5 - Longley area for my DD of 9.5 months. I have tried The Meadows CC and they are full and advised me to look else where.

I dont want something that is too far as I dont drive.

If you could recommend somewhere that will be brill. Thanks

There is st leanords just up the road from the Longley park.
Not sure what the road is called that it is on.

Yeah I have been there and the sign outside says nursery for 3 - 4 years olds. So I dont think it applies to babies younger than that :-(

Are you sure it does not mean free nursery places for 3-4 yr olds.I am sure they used to take babys but you had to pay.

I have just rang them and they said they take children from 2 - 5 years

Oh sorry have you considered a childminder?

No problem :-)

I havent actually, but I didnt want someone else in my house (is that what you mean?)

I am trying to get in touch with the NHG nursery but it keeps ringing.

I understand, but with childminders you take the child to the minders house,They have to be registered with ofsted and they are well checked out and trained.
The baby then gets one to one care that is what a lot of mothers prefer.
You can get a list of registered childminders in your area from the Childrens information centre.

Thanks for that, I will look into them.
I wanted a nursery for her though as I wanted her to socialise with other children. Guess I will keep looking.....

Good luck hope you manage to get sorted,Childcare can be a nightmare.

Thanks for that, I will look into them.
I wanted a nursery for her though as I wanted her to socialise with other children. Guess I will keep looking.....

Hi Pretty Polly

I'm a childminder and the children I look after have a great social life. They go with me to toddler groups, soft play areas, the local library, a local allotment to name but a few. We also attend the local childminding group once a week where they get to mix with other minded children usually at least another six children there plus the children I care for. Then there are my own children plus after school children and that's not mentioning the children they are with at my home every day usually two other children.

Get a childminder. The child to adult ratio is much better and your child will be in a home/family style environment. Try the NCMA website, i expect they'll have listings.

My Mum is unfortunately in Lincolnshire(best child-minder in the world - OFSTED agree with me on that) not Sheffield but the children she's looked after over the last 25 years are like family, I feel blessed to have had so many pretend brothers and sisters.

There's a little nursery just on the horner of Halifax Road, as though your going up to fox hill. Don't know the name though?

Hi my son is 3 in feb, and im just wondering when does he start nursery? will it be this sept when hes 31 months or next sept when hes over 3? also when do i get in touch with the nursery and ask about when he starts? do i have to register him now? how long will he have to go for? i.e half days or a few hours? as ya can probably tell hes my first child and im quite apprehensive about it all and having to leave my little boy there lol i dont want him crying and upset, and my friend says my little boy is too clingy with me and the nursery wont put up with him if hes mardy when i try and leave? im sure shes wrong and they are used to dealing with children who may be upset, any advice plz?

Your son will start the term after he is 3, so next Septemmber. You can put a child's name down at a nursery that's part of a school once they turn 2, so i'd do this asap to give you more chance of getting a place at the nursery you want.

You will be entitled to 15 hours free, different nurserys vary on how they let you use the hours, some just do 3hour sessions, usually either mornings or afternoons, some are more flexible and let you use them to do full days, or pay the extra to do full days everyday. I'd ask when you put his name down.

As for leaving him, he will not be the first or last child to be clingy, all the staff will be used to this and have different strategies in place to ease the transition. Most nurserys have an induction period where you will stay for a while, or they may do a home vivit so your son gets to know the staff before her starts.

Hope this helps!

My daughter is 3 in october and have been told she will start at the half term at the end of october. If the nursery you have chosen doesnt do half termly intakes he will start in january. I registered her at the nursery i wanted when she was 6 months old. Im splitting my time between a private nursery and school nursery. If i was you id get him name down now.
You get 15 hours a week but im sure you will be able to introduce him over a few weeks.

Der-didnt see the bit about 3 in feb! My friends daughter was 3 this feb and started after easter. It depends on the nursery.

Hi, he won't get his free hours until after he is 3. When children start depends on when their Birthday is. If it's before the 1st April the norm would be to start after Easter. It's unlikely he would have to wait until next September. My son was born after 1st April (2 weeks late!) so he will have to wait until the September after he is 3.

As for leaving your son I think any nursery will have staff who understand and expect some children to be upset when their parents leave them. I taught Primary school children who still got very upset when their parents left them so it's by no means unusual.

A lot of nurseries will take children from age 2.5 if you pay for sessions. I am considering doing this with my son just so he gets used to nursery at a bit younger age. I'm probably only going to send him for one possibly two sessions a week. Maybe you could consider this if you think it might make the transition easier.

if you put him in private nursery he will get 15 hour funding from easter

Chatterbox Nursery, Birdwell: Just wondering if ant one has any views as im hoping to start my son there in a few weeks?

Thanks xx

Does anybody know of pre-schools which will take children from age 2 if you are paying? I can only find ones that say 2.5 years. I can't afford to send my lo to a private nursery at around £40 per day.

I really think my son needs to go to a nursery and spend sometime away from me. I don't feel like I can properly entertain him all day everyday anymore. His eating is and has always been appauling in that he just won't feed himself and generally has to be bribed to eat, he isn't making any progress on using a beaker without a lid and toilet training is non existent. I feel like he needs to spend some time watching other children and a bit of time independent from me. I also feel like I need a bit of time away from him which sounds awful I know, but I am only talking about a session, possibly 2 sessions a week.

Sorry for the rant it has been one of those days and I'm feeling incredibly stressed out. So, if anybody knows of any pre-schools where children can start before 2.5 please let me know! My son is nearly 26 months.

the one my daughter goes too takes them from 2 and i cant recommened it highly enough, its woodhouse community playschool s13

Hi, looking for a nursery in S11/ S10. Does anyone use either Treetops on Psalter Lane or Elmore Kindergarten at Broomhill? Any opinions welcome,as would rather go on recommendation from other parents than OFSTED reports

Thanks

I have looked at loads in S7, S10 and S11. We have done for The Old School House Nursery School on Endcliffe Rise Road.

It has been closed for ages for refurbishment and due to this there arnt too many kids there at the minute and they are flexible.

It is owned by the same lady as The Ols School House in Crosspool.
http://www.oshnursery.co.uk/

Both of my children attend Elmore Kindergarten in Broomhill (and so will baby no. 3 when I return to work). The children have both been very settled at the nursery, and we have found the staff to be very caring and supportive. At the beginning of March the nursery moved to new premises (just across the road) and this has further improved the experience. You can pay an hourly or a session rate. I have already recommended the nursery to friends and coleagues, who have also had positive experiences

I went recently to have a look around the Little School House nursery on Woodseats so thought I'd post my experiences for the benefit of others.

My son already has a full-time place at an excellent nursery (Children 1st@Breedon House) but we were thinking of moving him somewhere closer to home.

I have to say I was a little bit disappointed. The nursery was ok, but very small and a bit claustrophobic imo. On the plus side, they have a grassed area outside for the kids to play in, and have easy access for trips to Graves Park.

One thing that bothered me a little bit was that all of the staff (that I saw) seemed very young. Not that I'm saying young people can't do a good job, but I would prefer to see a few more experienced people too. The people I spoke to were very friendly and helpful though. Also, the pre-school set up seemed a bit odd too with children from 3 to 5 all in one class. From my experience 3 and 5 year olds do not want to be doing the same thing and have different needs?!

Having said that though everything that you would expect was provided - healthy menu, messy play, daily updates, good play opportunities, set schedule, nap time etc, etc, etc and the children seemed to be having fun and staff were interacting positively with them.

Anyway, despite one or two minor reservations, overall we thought the nursery could be ok for ds, until we were given a price...£41 per day. Now, this is only £5 a day more than his current nursery, but for a full-time placement it adds up to a reasonable difference.

Generally a nice little nursery, just not quite right for us.


Soyabean
I just thought that you should be aware of the facts about the staff at The Little School House Nursery the staff are all in their mid twenties and the manager is in her thirties although I am sure they would like the compliment that they 'look young' they are most upset at the accusation of lack of experience, the experience and knowledge they hold in childcare is astounding they have experienced three different changes in the way we teach children which the government seem to do every three to five years, and the care, love and cuddles they shower onto these children is second to none, as for the preschool the staff teach the children by each individuals ability which any good nursery should do (not by age, as you wrote) most children join school just after their 4th birthday (you may not be aware) and they join the pre school class the term after their third birthday unless ability dictates otherwise.
The needs of all children of all ages are more than met at this brilliantly run nursery, and before you as my niece is at the nursery and I have discussed your comments with Sally the manager and she remembers your visit quite vividly I wonder why?

:thumbsup::thumbsup:?

Tricky Dicky,

I can't help feeling your response is a bit over the top. Hope you feel better for shouting.

My posting did not give a slating of the nursery, just my personal opinion based on the visit and brief interactions that I had.

I'm not surprised that Sally remembers my visit as it was very recent, and I did phone her afterwards to give her feedback based on my experience.

I didn't tell anyone in my post never to go there and did in fact state that the nursery was nice, but just not what WE were hoping for.

Well done for highlighting all the negative comments in my post, I'm sure it's a great form of advertising for the nursery. :rolleyes:

Yes I do feel strongly about the comments you made, my niece is flourishing at the nursery and I find your comments derogatory to hard working women, you assumed these women were young girls without actually asking their ages, Most of the staff have returned after maternity with their own children which I find to be a excellent recommendation in itself.
As you say each to their own,