Hi

I've just been through the process of finding a nursery for my son - and hadnt a clue when I started. Completely agree you get a sense for a place when you visit - so I visited 7 in the end - some twice! I seriously considered Looking Glass and I really liked the nursery, so I visited twice in August/September. However what put me off was that on both occasions I saw children in the playground that were in difficulty but were unobserved - one had got stuck in a football net, and the other had crawled over to a fence on the far side of the playground. On both occasions the person showing us round had to alert other staff to the difficulties these children were in. Perhaps these were isolated incidents - and the rest of the nursery looked great - but I thought the sheer number of children at Looking Glass made it more easy to miss things - and - I'm sure its just paranoia - but the thought ran through my head that anyone could have scooped up the toddler by the fence (which is low) and no one would have noticed - so that decided it for me.

I actually secured a place at Eveline for my 8 month old, but turned it down as I wasnt happy with the sleeping arrangements - ie. a mat on the floor in the same room as the other babies/toddlers were playing/being fed. However I'm sure its just something they get used to and works out fine.

I've ended up sending mine to Balham Day Nursery (part of the Asquith network) - they've got big bright rooms, separate sleeping (and air conditioned) room for babies, big playground (with high fences!) and really nice staff. Its not perfect of course - but I don't think any of them are. However he laughs and waves me goodbye when I leave him (hes 10 months now and been there 2 months part time) - so I think they're looking after him OK.

Thanks so much for your post.

I have been round and did get a good vibe (particularly all staff seemed really friendly) but was a bit hesitant because of lack of Ofsted report and posts on forums so your comments are really helpful.

My daughter has been at Looking Glass for nearly 2 months now. She settled in really quickly and seems happy there. I just got a copy of their Ofsted report today and they got 'good' in all areas. You should arrange a visit as it's often a 'feeling' you get when you are there...

I went round Teddies a couple of months ago and felt it was a bit tired (they did tell me they were going to refurb) and there didn't seem to be any staff members who had been there more than 6 months which pushed it downwards on my list of favourites.

I too was hoping to get my son into Eveline... but I realize it may not happen. Am looking for any advice about Balham nurseries as well. What about Teddies on Balham High Road?

Thanks!

Hi,

I was hoping to get into the Eveline nursery on Ritherdon but have been told it's highly unlikely of getting a place before the Summer so had the 'Looking Glass Nursery' on Tooting Bec as a back up. Does anyone have any experience of this nursery before I take the plunge?

Thanks