Our nursery experience - by Evelyn, mum of Rachel
The nursery I selected has turned out to be a bit of a winner (luckily enough!). The people have been great all the way through from when Rachel started at 10 months to now, aged 3 1/2, where she has risen through different 'rooms' with a little set of blossoming buddies. The nursery assistants are always very keen to chat about how the day has gone and what she ate (or didn't eat) and funny things she has said. This is all very comforting and brightens up the end of the day.
The variety of things they do every day is quite astonishing and inventive. There's always bagfuls of stuff for 'display' at home. I like the little projects they do, mostly inspired by the children themselves and what's important/happening in their lives (4th July day=American theme, Seasonal=wall scenes created by the group...).
We were offered several additional classes - French, dance, arts... I felt that with the cost of nursery being so high, they could have included this in the curriculum. I opted for French only which has turned out to be quite fun for her. I did arrive one day to see those who weren't signed up to dance classes with their noses pressed against the window in the door, watching enviously. Felt tiny bit guilty of course, for a minute, then reminded myself that she is only 3 and doesn't need everything going!
The only 'incident' I've experienced with my nursery was when Rachel was 1 and had only been walking for a few weeks. I arrived to find her upside down with her leg trapped in a little plastic car. Nobody was even near her and she was screaming the place down. Luckily I turned up when I did because it was in the garden and although the carers were there, the staff/child ratio was wrong and Rachel had been left unattended. Following an official complaint it was dealt with immediately by the directors themselves. They made some very definite practice and personnel changes. So, I would recommend turning up at different times, just to keep tabs.