Hi parents! :wave:

Just to update everyone that Little Winners Nursery in Middlewood currently has vacancies available in our surestart supported neighbourhood facility.

We also have a brand new website full of information for you to view which is at www.littlewinners.ikbt.com (http://www.littlewinners.ikbt.com)

Little Winners is a not for profit nursery operated on a charitable basis, run by a qualified team of nursery staff and managed by a board of trustees.

:thumbsup:

Mod note: if this is in the wrong place just let me know

depends how close to city centre you want to be and which direction you are coming from. The old school house at crosspool is nice. or there's SAYAC near the wicker (don't know what that's like tho).

Our nursery is on the tram route. :D

want to be within a mile of city centre really.

Tram route sounds good.

I think the just for kidz play centre on John st nowrun a day nursery

want to be within a mile of city centre really.

Tram route sounds good.

Well as the crow flies your not far off. :thumbsup:

Hi,

My little boy goes to a nursery on Scotland Street in town near West Bar Roundabout its very good but in price can be quite deer in care charges, its called children first at breedon house, tel. no. 2798 892.:thumbsup:

Our nursery is within 1 mile of town (just off the Parkway) :)

The Grapevine, on QueensRd/Chesterfield Road (in the Grapevine magazine building) is I believe within a mile of the city centre and on main bus routes. Cosycub goes there and I can vouch for excellent staff, a friendly atmosphere, a fun and educational routine and good food, as well as baby signing as part of the day to day communication.
They are quite new so not yet full. The number is 2558881, and you want to speak to Liz.

There is one in the Workstation on Paternoster row.

im having a nightmare! i know that my son is ready to go to nursery to develop his social skills - only one morning a week at first (i couldnt cope with anymore!) Ive received my brochures from across Sheffield but i keep hearing horror stories -so how do u choose? I ve previously visited a few and been put off by one thing or another
got a visit on thursday - any suggestions on questions or what to ask/look out 4?

Where's convenient for you?

The Hallam University one at collegiate is as good as any of the mainstream ones.

you haven't said which area you're looking at, so i shall tell you about the one's i've seen (not the bad ones, for fear of offending anyone who sends their kids there).

i'm moving to s10 and i've just booked babybabychickens into one called the Garden Nursery - i'm moving house soon and it's the closest one to where i'm moving to, although after walking a mile and dropping her off i'll still be walking 3 miles to work - might just get the bus back, maybe. anyway, it seems to be a good nursery - the carer-child ratios are good, it was well cleaned and well organised, and the emotional and physical health of the children i saw seemed very good, as did their mood and behaviour. it's a bit on the pricey side, but i guess that's what you get for moving closer to the countryside. i'll be cancelling a full time place that i have reserved at beech hill nursery in broomhill though, but i think you don't want a full time place anyway, but i did like the look of that one too (but not after a 3.5 mile walk).

my daughter has been in 4 nursery's and i won't badmouth the ones that i found to be pants on here, but what i will certainly say is that i have actually found the local authority ones to be better, unfortunately it usually means that they will only take the child from around 8.30 to 3-ish, but i found them to be much more caring and professional than the private nurseries, and as a result my daughter is much happier!

Quite a few of my friends send their kids to Garden House on Crimicar Lane and are very happy with it ... I was considering there, when I found a brilliant childminder!

Heeley Baby Unit at Heeley Young Childrens Centre is fantastic. I was recommended to it by my relative whi is a child health professional and she said that compared to others with regards to child stimulation and care of the kids it is the best she has seen.
I have to agree. The staff are great and so caring and follow what you want for your child and your routine. They take them to Heeley city farm and the park and they stimulate all their senses.
I don't live in the area and am moving about 10 miles away from the nursery but I am going to keep taking him there as I trust them.

Forgot to say it is a council run nursery. Their number is 2582413

im having a nightmare! i know that my son is ready to go to nursery to develop his social skills - only one morning a week at first (i couldnt cope with anymore!) Ive received my brochures from across Sheffield but i keep hearing horror stories -so how do u choose? I ve previously visited a few and been put off by one thing or another
got a visit on thursday - any suggestions on questions or what to ask/look out 4?


Sunny Meadows Nursery, Handsworth Road, Sheffield 13 ...my son went there and he loved it. Great atmosphere and great staff.

All nurseries are required to have an OFSTED report on them, which you can access on the net. I was on it yesterday. Should give you a little further indication of how good they are. Here is a link: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/childcare/

My personal favourite is the Grapevine on Queen's Road, where my little mooch goes. Lovely staff, great development ideas, lots of creativity, and importantly, really nice children for him to play with.

Plus don't forget, a good nursery will let you attend a few sessions with your child to see how your child gets on, and to help them settle.

I used to be a nusery nurse before i had my children i trained at one mentioned on here .They are not always as they seem. Lets just say i chose to be a at home mum we don't live in luxury as a result but comfortable i wouldn't send my children to any private daycare nursery if i had no option but to go back to work and family could not help then it would be a childminder if you are set on taking your child to a nursery from my experiance i would say drop on them for a visit anywhere that you have to make an app to visit not worth it as for off stead they go by app so the nurserys are all ready for them and they usually have a code over the intercome incase a spot cheak happens visit more than once and especially over staff lunch .If its only for socialising you want to send them there are other ways untill there 3 and at a age they can let you know if they are unhappy or not.

Council run nurserys are the best not so tight with money and staff ratios are always met

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

hye first start at firth park is great and so is shiregreen young childrens centre on bellhouse road

Nat did you go see LW? If you did feedback would be much appreciated good or bad. :)

no not yet, can i just pop in one day? where abouts on the estate are you - have to admit it scares me a bit on there sometimes :( although do meet some niceys on the tram:)

I used to be a nusery nurse before i had my children i trained at one mentioned on here .They are not always as they seem. Lets just say i chose to be a at home mum we don't live in luxury as a result but comfortable i wouldn't send my children to any private daycare nursery if i had no option but to go back to work and family could not help then it would be a childminder if you are set on taking your child to a nursery from my experiance i would say drop on them for a visit anywhere that you have to make an app to visit not worth it as for off stead they go by app so the nurserys are all ready for them and they usually have a code over the intercome incase a spot cheak happens visit more than once and especially over staff lunch .If its only for socialising you want to send them there are other ways untill there 3 and at a age they can let you know if they are unhappy or not.

Not all private nursery care operates like this. There are also Private nurseries that are charities

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=ccreportHTML&id=164015

Not all private nursery care operates like this. There are also Private nurseries that are charities

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=ccreportHTML&id=164015

You are most definately correct Titian.. and very well run aswell ;)

no not yet, can i just pop in one day? where abouts on the estate are you - have to admit it scares me a bit on there sometimes :( although do meet some niceys on the tram:)

If you go into Middlewood Park from the main road and walk down the path to the playgrounds you see it on your right. Its not 'on the estate' its by the park.

You are most definately correct Titian.. and very well run aswell ;)

It's nice when nurseries can appreciate each other isn't it Fox20thc and not work against each other. :thumbsup:

If you want me to meet you and give you the guided tour and introduce you to the manager I would be happy to. Off work this week until thursday :thumbsup:

Natalie, Little Winners gets my 100% recommendation.. and the Winn Estate isn't anywhere near as bad as it looks ;) (trust me I live there!)

You don't say how old your son is - as has been mentioned there is a lot you can do socially with your son before he is three such as toddler groups, rather than nursery. If it is childcare you are looking for whilst you are working - have you considered a childminder..? I know of a very good one with a glowing Ofsted report ;)
.

Natalie, Little Winners gets my 100% recommendation.. and the Winn Estate isn't anywhere near as bad as it looks ;) (trust me I live there!)

You don't say how old your son is - as has been mentioned there is a lot you can do socially with your son before he is three such as toddler groups, rather than nursery. If it is childcare you are looking for whilst you are working - have you considered a childminder..? I know of a very good one with a glowing Ofsted report ;)
.
still looking at minute, but have you got her details? ive got 14m old. how long has she done it, where does she live, how old, what are other kids like, any refs etc... thanks xx:D

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Thank you Henrietta :D :D

hi fox think ill try and nip down one day if ok with you:D

hi fox think ill try and nip down one day if ok with you:D

Well if you want company if I'm not working I'll gladly give you the tour :)

sorry i thought u were staff there! oops!

sorry i thought u were staff there! oops!
:P Oh to be paid. No I'm chair of the board of trustees/management committee but pretty hands on when not at work.

No worries.:thumbsup:

ah! a volunteer! me too but for other things - bet they have you running around like blue a*** fly!

ah! a volunteer! me too but for other things - bet they have you running around like blue a*** fly!

They try ;)

I do the webbys and deal with HR stuff, oh and other stuff like resetting the flippin alarm on sunday morning when the footballers set it off :rolleyes:

as for off stead they go by app so the nurserys are all ready for them and they usually have a code over the intercome incase a spot cheak happens visit more than once and especially over staff lunch

I work in a nursery and we were inspected by ofsted a few weeks ago. They turned up at 8.00 am and stayed all day, No appointment, so im afraid your wrong there. We did not have to be prepared for them as we do a good job every day and everything is in order as it should be.

(we got an excellent Ofsted report as well) :)

Natalie, Little Winners gets my 100% recommendation.. and the Winn Estate isn't anywhere near as bad as it looks ;) (trust me I live there!)

You don't say how old your son is - as has been mentioned there is a lot you can do socially with your son before he is three such as toddler groups, rather than nursery. If it is childcare you are looking for whilst you are working - have you considered a childminder..? I know of a very good one with a glowing Ofsted report ;)
.
hi im trying to PM u but ur just too popular and ur box is full! Im seeing a few more nurseries over next week or so but would like to meet u 2 if pos. PM ME! also what are charges etc.. and what slots have u got free for a 14m old

Oops sorry I didn't know that hinney.. have cleared it out
.

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

We have been using Elmore Kindergarten on Middlewood Road, both of our children go there, no problems. Im sure now Ive posted this someone will give it a slating, but I havent any problems with it and have turned up unexpected a few times. I use it because it is close and I needed somewhere where both children could go. I find them very very flexible when it comes to changing times/hours etc. This was an important consideration for me. The eldest, nearly 4, has quickly made a friend there and they've "discovered" his reading ability (he seems to be teaching himself to read with very little input from us!). He went to a nursery attached to a school before and we were happy with that too, but they never noticed he could read. He also had a lot of toilet accidents at the school one but doesnt at Elmore.

Its a few years ago now but my daughter went to Corner House on Wadsley Lane, staff very friendly and well run.

[QUOTE=Yellowrose]We have been using Elmore Kindergarten on Middlewood Road, both of our children go there, no problems. Im sure now Ive posted this someone will give it a slating, but I havent any problems with it and have turned up unexpected a few times. ............QUOTE]
i know a few girls there, so it put me off and also the spikey plants in the garden and every time u walk past staff are talking about their weekends! Think im just really picky, i probably subconsciously dont want to take him anywhere and find fault with em all! i also dont like the fact that everyone can see the kids playing.
congrats on ur little boy learning to read tho! thats cool!

Its a few years ago now but my daughter went to Corner House on Wadsley Lane, staff very friendly and well run.manager is lovely too, i just didnt like the way the rooms were set out and staff smoking outside. preschool rooms were very good and organised.

Its a few years ago now but my daughter went to Corner House on Wadsley Lane, staff very friendly and well run.

I understand from a work colleague of my husband that they are quite full. They tried to get their daughter in there and they couldnt.

yeah sort of agree with that-fumes and nosy people(inc me!) and how annoying r all those cars parked on the path? god sont get me started i have to go on the road to get past and it hacks me off:rant:

Little Winners is a purpose built nursery surrounded by fields on the edge of Middlewood Park, close to a brand new under 5's secure play area and sports court.

Open from 8am til 6pm Monday to Friday all year round, our 30 place nursery is available for little winners from 3 months all the way through to school age.

Fabulous first ofsted report and a dedicated team of carers.Visit the website (http://littlewinners.btik.com) for pricing and further information.

im off for a taster session tomorrow with my bambino! Nursery very nice, safe, clean and nice staff! i was finally impressed by a nursery!:D

:clap: :clap: Have a fabulous time Nat. I will be up there sometime to take some photos of Pudsey, if you see a nutter with a camera dont worry :P

my boy loved it, really happy. Got two settling sessions next week then my boy will be a nursery boy! only one morning a week mind

Thats great Nat, I think I just missed you :P If you have a look at the webby I just posted a CIN picture on the slideshow.. look under meet our little winners.

Im really glad your happy with the setting you are the best ad for our nursery, a happy mum :thumbsup:

Hi,

We're looking for recommendations for Nurseries in the S8 area, or any comments (good or bad) anyone may have.

Looking to start our little one for a few sessions part-time just after Chrismas at 10 months of age to get him used to the idea, then probably 3 days a week April onwards.

Thanks a lot.

Paul

I used Kids Unlimited near Sainsbury's for my little boy 3 years ago and found them to be reasonable and very professional.

It's a smart purpose built nursery and you don't have to mess about giving them nappies, wipes etc as everything is included!!

I visited all the nurseries in the area at the time and found this to be the best one!

ABC at Woodseats was horrendous - I know at least 3 people who advised me not to use them but still went for a look and wasn't impressed at all!

Chantryland was okay but I was told the staff changeover there a lot and are also very young 17/18 years old most of them

Little Angels at Jordanthorpe - found it a bit untidy and smelly - didn't seem to have any structure to it.

Little School House at Woodseats was nice but didn't have any baby places available when I needed one.

As I say have a look around placed for yourself as things can change in 3 years etc

Good Luck

Hi,

We're looking for recommendations for Nurseries in the S8 area, or any comments (good or bad) anyone may have.

Looking to start our little one for a few sessions part-time just after Chrismas at 10 months of age to get him used to the idea, then probably 3 days a week April onwards.

Thanks a lot.

Paul

Can't help right now at 10 months, but can recommend The Merlin Kindergarten for future reference.

Merlin Kindergarten (http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/portal/site/Internet/menuitem.7c7b38b14d870c7bb1890a01637046a0/?event=getReport&urn=EY319979&inspectionNumber=164015&providerCategoryID=2&fileName=\\ey\\CB\\INT_EY319979_26072006.xml)

We may have a vacancy depends how far you want to travel.

Thanks all.........guess we'll do some visiting in the next few weeks!

Fox20thc
Relly needs to be S8 or near, Middlewood is the wrong side of the city for us....thanks though.

Our little boy went to ABC on Chantrey Rd from age 6 months to 3 years. It started off very well, then had a worrying dip after a change of ownership. I believe they've had another change of ownership since we left and staff morale is certainly improved, so it would be worth looking at.

A friend of mine has two children at kids unlimeted and is very happy with their service. She previously had her children at Little Schoolhouse, which she was't as impressed with.

Please can anyone recommend a good nursery in the Sheffield 6 area and around for a child of two and a half.

:D

Little Winners (http://www.littlewinners.btik.com) :thumbsup: Have a look at the website

There is a great review from a forummer here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=160228)

I highly recommend The Early Days Centre on Palgrave Road. Its only just outside Sheffield 6 but easy to get to. :thumbsup:

shiregreen young childrens centre on bellhouse road is good

My little boy (about the same age as yours) goes to Bole Hill nursey and he really likes it. The staff there seem really lovely.

A lot of the time on Sheffield Forum, people are eager to report bad things or negative incidents...
Well, I just wanted to let everyone know just how fantastic my daughter's nursery is.
I have just been to her parent's evening. I was already impressed and have been getting more and more impressed with them every year she attends, but I have to say that this has possibly been the absolute peak for me.

Not only did she have a 4 page report that was extremely specific to her, but I was shown a day to day plan of what she has, is and will be doing (not for the whole group, just for her), as identified from watching her and identifying her specific needs. She will be doing deduction exercises and reading. I am stunned that they have identified this in a child of her age (2 and three quarters). I am aware that this is the stage that she is at, but I didnt think that they would see this. They also decided not to move her out of her peer group, but just to spend extra time with her on these things, which I totally agree with. She was offered a place at school for next September, but we have turned it down as she would be 3 and some children in her class would be coming up to 5.

Anyway, could waffle on forever, but if you are undecided about nurseries, then I suggest arranging a visit to Kids Unlimited at Millhouses, just to see for yourself how ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL this nursery and their staff are.

Rant over...

A lot of the time on Sheffield Forum, people are eager to report bad things or negative incidents...
Well, I just wanted to let everyone know just how fantastic my daughter's nursery is.
I have just been to her parent's evening. I was already impressed and have been getting more and more impressed with them every year she attends, but I have to say that this has possibly been the absolute peak for me.

Not only did she have a 4 page report that was extremely specific to her, but I was shown a day to day plan of what she has, is and will be doing (not for the whole group, just for her), as identified from watching her and identifying her specific needs. She will be doing deduction exercises and reading. I am stunned that they have identified this in a child of her age (2 and three quarters). I am aware that this is the stage that she is at, but I didnt think that they would see this. They also decided not to move her out of her peer group, but just to spend extra time with her on these things, which I totally agree with. She was offered a place at school for next September, but we have turned it down as she would be 3 and some children in her class would be coming up to 5.

Anyway, could waffle on forever, but if you are undecided about nurseries, then I suggest arranging a visit to Kids Unlimited at Millhouses, just to see for yourself how ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL this nursery and their staff are.

Rant over...

My friends children go tothat nursery and she's very happy with their service, also.

Hiya,

I have a six months old baby and need a good nursery as I have to go back to work and the uni. I've already seen 6 nurseries and I'm colse to loosing all my faith that there are any good in Sheffield. Please help!!!!!

You might like to look on our parenting section, this thread has already popped up with numerous responses.
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=84

Perhaps a childminder might meet the needs of you and your child more than a nursery, particularly if like us, you think that children learn and develop best from being in a safe, loving, homely and stimulating environment with the added bonus of being able to have the freedom of experiencing the great outdoors rather than the occasional "visit" or "trip" away from their designated "room". www.sheffieldchildminders.co.uk

What has happened in this crazy world. At that age they should be playing and having fun, not being assessed.

I echo that sentiment whole heartedly!

yes, so do I......
Try Broomhall, you can't bet the staff they are the best, no really the absolute best and everyone I speak to says the same and that is from parents of children who are grown up. Can't give them higher praise

My advice is try to find a quality assured, registered childminder who belongs to an Early Years Network, that way your child will "learn" through play indoors and more importantly outdoors without being regulated to the occasional trip or 30 mins in the garden and of course if the childminder delivers Early Years Education then you can use your Nursery Vouchers too!

Bolehill top end of walkley very good don't know if that's too far

If you are looking for childcare in the S6 area Little Winners are now taking applications for the January intake.

All children 3 and over are entitled to a free place.

Little Winners also has vacancies available for sessional care from 3 months old.

For further details and how to apply visit the website: Little Winners (http://www.littlewinners.btik.com)

The Pavilion, 109 Winn Grove, Middlewood, SHEFFIELD S6 1UN tel: 2855005

..

There does seem to be a number of nurseries in the Sheffield Six area. I know that Little Winners, as listed above, is highly thought of.

We have, at the moment, 2 places available at the Merlin Kindergarten from January.

The Merlin Kindergarten is a Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten. We open 38 weeks per year from 9am to 1pm. We will also be offering afternoon care from January.

Ofsted Report (http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=cchome&id=EY319979&type=DC)

For more information please pm me with your email address.

http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk/education.htm

And I must say thats a cracking ofsted report titian... well done :thumbsup:

There does seem to be a number of nurseries in the Sheffield Six area. I know that Little Winners, as listed above, is highly thought of.

Ah thanks Daniel :D

I know Little Winners is well thought of on this forum, but we are very happy with Elmore Kindergarten on Middlewood Road. We have a 1 year old and a 3 year old who attend there. Its very convenient for me, the children are happy, the littlest gets lots of cuddles and the older one has lots of outdoor play which he loves. When he was poorly he was disappointed he wasnt going to nursery! Another big advantage for me is that all their food is cooked on the premises and included in the price, nappies and wipes are also included ... so no bags to get ready and cart about. I used to hate getting two bags ready and then unpacking them when they went to the Beighton nursery where we used to live.

If I were you I would visit them all and see which you feel most comfortable with.

I would second the recommendation for Elmore Kindergarten, my daughter attends the Elmore Road site, S10, it is very good. She is always very happy to be left and this is reassuring for a parent. They have been very accommodating when I have needed flexible arrangements. The day is very well structured with a balance of activities. Highly recommended.

Raine

I would second the recommendation for Elmore Kindergarten, my daughter attends the Elmore Road site, S10, it is very good. She is always very happy to be left and this is reassuring for a parent. They have been very accommodating when I have needed flexible arrangements. The day is very well structured with a balance of activities. Highly recommended.

Raine

They are very flexible and if your kids already attend, they will take them at short notice in case youre ill, have an emergency or have to go to a funeral like I did a few weeks ago.

My grandson is also a faddy eater (there is a reason for this) and they have been very good at Elmore at accommodating his needs once they understood what was happening.

i know it was a while ago but my eldest went to park on minto road up until she started school 5 yrs ago, the staff are nice and still stop to chat when they see us. lovely place she was really happy there. hope you find one your happy with from all these recomendations:thumbsup:

Why Thank you foxy. We were sprung upon , on the last two days of term.

my son is due to start nursery at mansel but on a quick visit it didn't install much confidance in me for him to go there. I dont know any other parents that do go there so i cant ask anyone what its like?? does anyones children go to mansel nursery, if so what is it like???

Aslo does anyone know what st thomas moore primary school is like????

thanks for any advice it can be hard when you have no one else to talk to with children

hi cheeky my cousin went to mansel nursery she is now in mansel juniors an is doing so well so i would recomend it

thanks for the reply its hard when you dont know much about the schools and i dont know other parents so im finding it hard to know what to do for the best for him. my options on primary schools will be foxhill, meynell, mansel or posibly st thomas moores (not sure if they have critera to get in)

www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/

you can get a general idea of what schools are like from here, but to be fair, you have to take them with a pinch of salt...

Just wondering whether anybody can offer any recommendations for nurseries in Woodseats? Anybody use Chantrey House or The Little School House? Any others? Any to be avoided?

Thanks,
M

Holmhurst pre-school at holmhurst church is the only childcare in woodseats that I would use for my child.
I used to work there and the staff are fantastic and the care and activities are brill. They only take children from 2 years and I dont think they provide full day care like the two private nurseries that you mentioned, but if your wanting just morning or afternoon sessions I would really recommend them. :)

If you don't mind moving down the road a little, I use the Grapevine on Queens/Little London/Chesterfield Road (whichever it is there), just opposite Dunelm Mill at the back.
I can't recommend it enough. They take from 3 months, have excellent staff, great kids, the owner/manager, Liz, is an ex-head teacher, I believe. Play is educational as well as lots of fun. They teach baby signing, give daily written reports, six-monthly or quarterly written reviews on your child's progress, and yearly hour-long one to one Parents meetings. I am constantly amazed and delighted by the social skills, games, and experiences he is getting there.

Want the best recommendation of all? Take my child's. He has been there for 2 days a week for 17 months, and he: stops screaming when I'm putting his coat on in the morning if I tell him we're going to nursery; he abandons me to go play as soon as we get there; he greets me when I pick him up, then runs off again to play some more, and getting him to leave is difficult. He ADORES it.

I am interested in this too as I live in Woodseats and am currently pregnant.
Sall242003 you say Holmhurst preschool is the only childcare in the area you would use. Is there a problem with the others? I have heard good things about Kids Unlimited in Woodseats/Millhouses.

Like the sound of Grapevine Cosywolf. It sounds great!

I wouldnt really like to comment on the others as I dont know enough about them, I just know that if I lived at Woodseats I would be sending my son to Holmhurst because its great! Ive worked in childcare for 10 years and used to do supply work in various nurseries around sheffield and Ive always said that Holmhurst comes out top for me. The other nurseries on Woodseats are privately run and I would always prefer to send my child to a community run organisation, again thats just my preferences from experience of working in various types of nurseries.

My son goes to the nursery that I work at but if he didnt I would definately send him there.

As for Kids Unlimited I have heard not very good reports about the company from nursery nurses that have previously worked there, I believe that they put on a fantastic show for parents but behind the scenes things are not so good and staff to child ratios are not always met, but again this is 2nd hand information so your best to ask around and find out for yourself. :)

Thanks for the info its really helpful
Out of interest why do you prefer community run to private? Is it due to regulations etc? I thought that private would have more money & facilities?
Also re kids unlimited were the staff unhappy about how the company treated them or the children? Though I guess there has to be a correlation.
Sorry dumb questions. Am new to this......:confused:

My friends two daughters go to kids unlimeted and she is very happy with their services.

My son used to go to Chantrey house on Chantrey rd when it was ABC nursery, he was very well lokked after and the staff there are very kind.

Thanks for the info its really helpful
Out of interest why do you prefer community run to private? Is it due to regulations etc? I thought that private would have more money & facilities?
Also re kids unlimited were the staff unhappy about how the company treated them or the children? Though I guess there has to be a correlation.
Sorry dumb questions. Am new to this......:confused:

I prefer Community run nurseries to private owned nurseries for a few reasons.
Firstly private nurseries operate as a business to make a profit therefore they need to keep expenditure low and income high to make profit - the main expenditure of a nursery is salaries so the staff are probably not as well paid as staff within a community nursery and their fee's are likely to be a lot higher in order for them generate income. Nursery staff on low wages are more likely to be just starting out and/or still studying for their NVQ so maybe not as experienced and majority will be fairly young.

A community run nursery puts all income back into the nursery as they are not for profit organisations and in my experience pay a lot higher wages and tend to retain their staff for longer which is better consistancy for the children. yes we do need grants such as Lottery etc but this doesnt mean that facilities are poor (we have recently raised enough money to have our own sensory room built!)
And the managers, senior staff and nursery nurses at community nurseries have a real passion for what they do and as they do not own the company and are not trying to make a profit you know that they are there because that is what they enjoy doing. :)

And just to let you know most Community nurseries now offer full day care 8.00 - 6.00 and take children from 6months old just like private nurseries.

I want to stress that is my personal view on the differences between the two and Im sure their are many privately owned nurseries out there that are doing a fantastic job! Im just passionate about my work and I work within the voluntary community sector! :thumbsup:

My son started at Chantry house @ 8months and now goes full time he's 19months now. Since the new owner has taken over the place has had some major work doen and is a much more pleasant environment, He seems to love it and the staff are great...Clare the deputy manger babysits for us as well. I d definately recommend it , did look at the little school house but didnt get the same friendly feel. I guess you just have to go with your instincts. Good luck choosing, its difficult.

Hi from Little Winners Neighbourhood Nursery.

We are now taking names for 3 and 4 year old children who wish to attend free nursery sessions which are available after the term your child turns three.

(Additional session may be purchased if required.)

Full details of the nursery can be found at www.littlewinners.btik.com (http://www.littlewinners.btik.com) or you may telephone 2855005 for an information pack.

This is a fabulous intimate setting and welcomes you all.


Fox

''And the managers, senior staff and nursery nurses at community nurseries have a real passion for what they do...''

So do the staff in privately run nurseries not have the passion that you do??

''And the managers, senior staff and nursery nurses at community nurseries have a real passion for what they do...''

So do the staff in privately run nurseries not have the passion that you do??

I did state in my post that this is just my personal opinion and that Im sure many private nurseries out there are doing a fantastic job. I expected someone from a private setting to comment before now!
Im not here to critisise people I was just trying to help by outlining certain differences that "I Feel" are present between the two types of nurseries.

Incidently does anyone have any experience of Chancet Wood Nursery as its nearer my house and the only reason i didnt look at it was that they only take them from 2 years old. My neighbours kids went there some years ago but she thought it was very well run at the time.

Personally I would stay clear of the litte winners on winn gardens, went to visit the nursery and was scared by a group of kids walking around with pit bulls and drinking cans of beer. My child now attends at Elmore Kindergarten on Middlewood Road and find it an excellant facility and well run with lovely staff.

hi all i am starting a full time job in april an i need a nursery asap for my 2 kids a boy aged 2 an girl 10 mths they need to go minday to thurs as my mum will av them on fri

Whereabouts? What area?

contact Children's Information Service - they have lists of them all (but can't recommend "good" ones)
their number 2756699

When my youngest hit 3 I decided to take him to a private nursery for 1 session a week like yourself so he could get used to being left with someone other than my mum.

The nursery I chose seemed really nice but he hated it. He was really quiet when I left him and cried when I picked him up. I thought it was because he was clingy and persevered until he started at the school nursery in the September. He absolutely loved 'school' and I never got a second glance when I left.

I now feel really guilty about the times I left him at the private nursery, where he was (on hindsight) really unhappy.

i live near meadowhall

Personally I would stay clear of the litte winners on winn gardens, went to visit the nursery and was scared by a group of kids walking around with pit bulls and drinking cans of beer
How ridiculous! Do you work for Elmore, by any chance? :suspect:

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Personally I would stay clear of the litte winners on winn gardens, went to visit the nursery and was scared by a group of kids walking around with pit bulls and drinking cans of beer. My child now attends at Elmore Kindergarten on Middlewood Road and find it an excellant facility and well run with lovely staff.
too close to the road and fumes, area covered in litter esp path nr car park. Staff nice but not well run. a teacher friend of mine also visited here and was disgusted they couldnt answer basic questions about child development and key stages. Obviously you an dme wouldnt ask these questions as were just mear parents but staff should be able to talk to fellow education workers on their level.
i suppose every nursery has good and bad points

I would differ with your views on Elmore. Our 4 year old goes every day and our 1 year old 3 times a week. We are very happy and find it suits our children fine. I was happy with the planning when I visited, and the setting. The litter dropped by people walking up from the tram is hardly the problem of the nursery staff. Im not sure where all these cars are either, I only see the ones in the car park. As for it being near a busy road, so are many schools in Sheffield. I wouldnt think that the air in the playground of Elmore differs very much from that in the gardens of WPV or Winn Gardens. If anyone wants an opinion on Elmore, ask someone who actually uses it rather than someone who has visited once or looked over the fence.

Sall, thanks for your reply to my question about community run vs private nurseries. It has really opened my eyes as I think I though that private nurseries would be better because they have more money but it had not ocurred to me that there is a counterargument. I work for the public sector and there are certainly some areas where I would suggest them to be better than the private sector particularly when it comes to ethics and standard/qualifications of staff. The public sector can sometimes have stronger regulations etc. Though of course this is not always the case. Thanks again- I will start looking into the community run services :)

As for the public sector they are loaded! Maintained nurseries dont have to worry about making a profit or raising money through grants so there job must be a lot easier!

As for the public sector they are loaded! Maintained nurseries dont have to worry about making a profit or raising money through grants so there job must be a lot easier!

Mmhm, the money looks after the kids. The rest of them just sit around and natter.:rolleyes:

Never mind the private versus community nursery debate. Look for the place where you will be happy to leave your child and your child will be happy to stay. That's the important thing.

As for it being near a busy road, so are many schools in Sheffield. I wouldnt think that the air in the playground of Elmore differs very much from that in the gardens of WPV or Winn Gardens
lol, you cannot dispute that the outside play area is smack next door to a busy main road, unlike many schools in Sheffield! Also how can you say that the air a mere ten yards from the emission spot i.e. the car exhausts is going to be no less noxious than that on a residential area many hundreds of yards from a busy highway??!!

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were just mear parents.. able to talk to fellow education workers on their level.. (basic questions about child development and key stages)
Not sure if this was tongue in cheek but remember Natalie you have every right to ask as many questions as you wish about the Nursery's commitment, attitudes and awareness toward the child's key stage learning and developmental stages! :)

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does any one use teddies nursery?

Not wanting to quote you archie1 as I wouldn't give you the satisfaction of a repost of such bigoted and inflammatory comments.

I think you will find that Middlewood Park is a public park within which people walk dogs.

You are misrepresenting LW, which is a secure building with cctv and electronic door entry systems. Never had any issues with regard to dogs or anti social behaviour and is a very very safe and protective environment for children.

I too have visited elmore and choose not to comment on its grounds, or the fabric of the building I believe that speaks for itself. This thread is about nurseries and the quality of the setting and the care provided not the passers by!

I know you stated it but it surely would make any nursery nurse's (in a private nursery) blood boil, I know I'd find it quite degrading! Just because they don't earn as much money as others surely doesn't mean they don't work just as hard!!
Sorry if I've missed any Y's out of this post, no one in this household will admit to spilling something on the keyboard!

Maybe its my dippy pregnant brain but how is the public sector loaded? I work for the NHS and loaded we are certainly not? :confused:

Not sure if this was tongue in cheek but remember Natalie you have every right to ask as many questions as you wish about the Nursery's commitment, attitudes and awareness toward the child's key stage learning and developmental stages! :)

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not at all, ive been to loads and the girls at LW seem to know what theyre on about-thankfully! i was saying to fox the other day-well impressed! trust me if i wasnt, hed be out in a flash!
in regards to what the other lady said-when looking fo rnursery for my bundle of "Joy!"-i luckily know lots of nursery staff at diff places(including 2 at Elmore very well) and my sister was an assessor staff(shes now moved up to assess assessors ) so i got the best knowledge i could pos get b4 chosing. but i think if ur bundles are happy and ur then theres no probs-happy babies mean happy mummys!

Oh and the litter! dont get me started on that area-must really hack the nursery off how scruffy passers by can be-and disrespectful! they should complain to BLOORS to clear it up!!!

KidsUnlimited is a FANTASTIC nursery - you can't say otherwise unless your child has been there and is unhappy

My daughter has been going there five days a week for two years and cries at weekends because wants to be there and see her friends
She has made wonderful friends there and the staff couldn't be nicer - friendly and supportive

All I can say is that it is all down to your own personal experience - you can listen to what others have to say but you will always get conflicting opinions so go and visit and trust your instincts. Also opinions from people who have worked at nurseries and left can sometimes be clouded too.

Before you all start kicking off at me - I'm not saying I am right and you are all wrong - just that everyone has different opinions

good luck - hope your child is as happy at nursery as mine is

I guess there may have been a thread on this already but am just wondering what informed people's choices on which to go for. We are still deciding what we would prefer (though of course this is likely to be affected by availability). We have some pros and cons but would be interested in other peoples views and experiences :)

have since found the answer to this. you were right tinkabel. safety report not good....

We opted for nursery because to our minds there was more equipment and resources, more certainty (it doesn't shut because one or two staff are ill, and they have long core hours), we liked the discipline and educational play strategies at our chosen nursery, and when we came down to it we simply weren't comfortable with leaving him in the charge of one (or two) people (I was and had bad experiences as a child).

We spoke to all our friends who had kids and did one or the other and looked into it first, and just went with what we were comfortable with. There's definitely something to be said for either one. A childminder would have been less expensive, for instance.

My little boy goes to The Little School House and is very happy and settled there. He's been going for well over a year (he's 3.5 now) and I've never had any problems or issues. (one thing Ive noticed is the low turnover of staff - which I imagine is quite a good sign?)

Deciding on who is going to look after your child is a very big decision to make and you always wonder whether you have made the right decision - some people have bad experiences in one place, some good.

I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to visit all of the nursery's and go along with your child. Prepare a list of questions to ask (there are lots of suggestions on the web to help) and decide what is important to you; high discipline, warm and friendly, religious etc, and watch how the staff interact with your child, and vice versa!!

The rest then is down to instinct (like all aspects of parenting!!!):thumbsup:

Agree Elmo - different nurseries suit different children. I have been lucky with the nursery our boy goes to. We opted for a small happy not very pushy on the educational bits ( rather he learnt subconciously via play) but very pro-active on ethic, manners etc. I know others dislike the place because it isn't educationally pushy but that doesn't bother me whilst he's a tot.

thanks cosywolf. Can always count on you to be helpful :) Have started feeling my baby move now and started to feel quite excited after that nervous start :hihi:

We also opted for nursery. I agree with Cosywolf about equipment and resources.

Also a friend of mine got let down by her childminder who one Friday evening annouced she was off to America for 3 weeks, leaving my friend to take unpaid leave off work for the following 3 weeks whilst she tried to get the kids to a more reliable childminder.

Have a look at both and make visits. You will know what makes you feel the most comfortable.

TBH I had a childminder when my sons were little - ironically because there wasn't a local nursery. :rolleyes:

It was okay until there was a problem, be it hers or mine or just a niggle. When you have a child in a setting you have a team looking after your little one and I find it easier for parents to address any concerns as they tend to pick out their own individual staff member to confide in.

My CM jacked it in because she found it too demanding and left me in the lurch.

My boys go to the most wonderful childminder - they go out all the time, to the park, into town or little trips to places like the Butterfly house. The environment is homely and the childminder is very flexible ... if you are stuck in the snow, they will keep the kids as long as you need.
It is the same as anything, there are good and bad childminders - you need to be sure that you can trust them and that you like them.
I wasn't comfortable about sending a five month old to a nursery, wanted the more personal touch, but loads of my friends have been very happy with nursery places.

SamMT, isn't it great when you can feel them? Mind you, it got old quite quickly for me because cosycub never stopped once he started...and I do mean Never, lol. Glad to hear things are going well.xx

It is like anything else, there are good and bad examples of both. Having been a childminder myself for 9 years I am biased in favour of childminders.

Nurseries may have more equipment, (although I doubt it considering how much we used to have :)) but research has shown that a child is better having one person to relate rather than a changing team of staff. Childminders are more able to provide a home like environment, and have a lot less children to look after and hence more time to be with each child. They have usually chosen to be at home with their own children and in my experience are likely to be caring people.

The recent reseach into children's stress levels found that children at childminders had lower stress levels than children in any other childcare setting.

I would personally visit as many different settings as possible , both nurseries and childminders, until I found one that felt right to me. I would be looking for someone who was happy for me to visit with the child on as many ocassions as I thought were needed in order to settle the child in before they were left. When I childminded we had a lady visited us once per week free of charge for 6 months before she left her child with us.

If I were going to choose a childminder, I would also look for two registered childminders who work together as an ideal (there are quite a few husband/wife mother/daughter etc childminding teams) as that means one can be looking after the children while the other cooks meals etc, or one can do any school runs without hauling the children out in the rain.I would also look for them to be members of a co-operative, such as Little Sixers childminding co-operative in Hillsborough. The advantage to this is that they are more likely to have untaken training and quality assurance schemes, and also they can usually get holiday and sickness cover from other childminder in the co-operative, and as they meet up regularly the child would be familiar with the covering minder. I would be looking for someone who did a daily diary of the activities done with the child and I would expect them to be doing some sort of activity (craft, visit out, walk in the park) etc every day.

hope this helps

Both our children went to nursery, and for a while our eldest was in full time. He loved it, and she still does. The boy still remembers the day the fire engine came, the day they all went to a chinese restaurant, the day they went to Magna etc etc.

I think it's obviously a choice that depends on dozens of factors, but I feel that a nursery education has stood him in good stead, and considerably strengthened his immune system. And, to a certain extent, it's good preconditioning for school.

You might like to check out www.sheffieldchildminders.co.uk to see what some child minders have to offer

My daughter has to do work experience next year. She wants to be a teacher eventually. Does anyone know of a private nursery that will take a lovely, polite, willing 15 year old for two weeks work experience?

I know it seems a long way off, but it takes time to sort these things out.

Thanks

you can try old school house at crosspool - they're always on the lookout for cheap (even better free) labour. take kids 6months to 5 years.

Just to update further:

We are now taking bookings for future terms and have places available.

If you are interested in visiting us then please get in touch or come along to our MAY FAYRE on 7th May (1pm to 4pm)

http://www.whatsonbritain.com/Sales-and-Fairs/Charity-Fair/adc71f30-45c8-4619-bfab-8691eb05b3fa?Search_Text=fayre

Titian, can you give me some idea of fees? I'm really intersted to know the ball park figure.

Titian, can you give me some idea of fees? I'm really intersted to know the ball park figure.

Hi Cosy,
Our sessions are 9am to 1pm (4 hours) and we charge £12.50 per session. Of course, if your child is grant eligible then the amount you pay is £4.30 per session.
Hope this helps

Thank you, Titian.

Have you got any links that would direct us to grant eligibility criteria? I can't seem to find it on the link at the top. Or do we need to ring up?

Sorry to be such a pain!

Thank you, Titian.

Have you got any links that would direct us to grant eligibility criteria? I can't seem to find it on the link at the top. Or do we need to ring up?

Sorry to be such a pain!


Children receive the grant from 3 years of age to 5 years. They are no longer eligible the term after their 5th birthday. Saying that though we do have children up to age 7, after their funding ends.

Sheffield don't seem to have parent information on the Nursery information funding up and running as yet (the Children's information service will be putting factsheets online soon) I can give you this link though: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/education/services-to-schools/eyecs/nursery-education-funding
Hope this is useful

Feel free to call me if you wish, though. My number is on the link above

Hi All,

Were currently trying to find a nursery for our 2 year old daughter and its turning into a nightmare.

We have visited 3 nurseries up to now where all we have done is turn around and walked out. Were not snobs but would like the nursery we choose to be clean (I appreciate that Nurseries are difficult places to keep tidy but I think there is a world of difference between untidy and unhygenic) with friendly approachable staff.

We just want to book 1 afternoon session a week so she can have more interaction with other children that doesn't actually cost the earth.

Perhaps we are deluding ourselves that without paying around £100 a month (that we seriously don't have) then it aint gonna happen!

Why not join a parent and toddler group?

She'll get plenty of interaction with other children there and it's cheaper too.:)

Why not join a parent and toddler group?

She'll get plenty of interaction with other children there and it's cheaper too.:)

We have got 3 very close to our home, but vast majority of babies fall into the 0-9 months age range, with the odd couple of 1 year olds. We haven't found any yet with a godo number of kids around the same age!

Little Winners (http://www.littlewinners.btik.com) will take a child for just one session :)

Little Winners (http://www.littlewinners.btik.com) will take a child for just one session :)

The website looks good, and so does the ofsted report, but can you recommend it?

Fox is biased :P

But seriously, Little Winners is recommended by a number of users on this forum. Personally, I sent my son there from age three (he has just started school) and I also work there as supply staff - so I see both sides of the place. And it gets my support :thumbsup:

Visits are welcome, if not encouraged!

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Fox is biased :P

But seriously, Little Winners is recommended by a number of users on this forum. Personally, I sent my son there from age three (he has just started school) and I also work there as supply staff - so I see both sides of the place. And it gets my support :thumbsup:

Visits are welcome, if not encouraged!

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I think the name is misleading and potentially harmfull. All the kids cant be winners- some must be losers, and it implies an unhealthily competitive environment. ;)

Which area do you live in?
x

Hi personal, if you follow the link in my signature to the Parenting Group, you will find a few threads there discussing nurseries and similar provision. There are lots of nurseries and playgroups mentioned and plenty of feedback on them, too.