Oaktree or Marmalade Caterpillar? Post Reply

[balhamite]

Hello

I have offers of preschool places for my son for September 2013 at Oaktree Nursery School and Marmalade Caterpillar. I have to put down deposits now to secure the places.

I would really appreciate anyone's thoughts and experiences. I really liked both when I looked round and I know they have excellent reputations but they seemed very different. Marmalade Caterpillar seemed to encompass much more formalised learning whereas Oaktree appeared to have more of a learn through play approach.

It is so hard having to decide now as it is impossible to know what my sons preferred learning style will be in a years time.

Thanks

[Goldhawk]

Both have good reputations

The downside with Oaktree is the small outside space although they do use the church hall/studio space for yoga & sport

[ready2pop]

You'll probably love whichever one you go for! We looked around both and plumped for Marmalade Caterpillar in the end but it was very much a personal decision based on which we thought would suit our children's characters best.

My eldest was a pretty shy toddler and what put me off Oaktree was that because of the building layout one of the 'classes' was a mix of ages - so he could have arrived and been in the same group as children almost 2 years older than him which I'm not sure he'd have dealt with. For the same reason we thought a more structured environment would suit him better.

We've been very happy with MC. The level of teaching versus play increases gradually while they are there. When they first start there's lots of playing but in the second year they have more formal learning as they get closer to school age which we found really made the transition to school nice and easy. The teachers are fantastic, good range of activities, nice bright building. A really warm friendly school.

Tough one but both are great so don't worry too much!

[nicolaatkins856]

Hi

Both of my little ones are currently at Marmalade Caterpillar and I honestly can't praise it enough. We are very happy with all aspects. Sorry, I don't have any experience of Oaktree. I am Sure that your son will thrive at either one.

N

[cosmopolitanmum]

I dont have any experience of Oaktree but my little one is at Marmalade Caterpillar and as other respondents said I cant praise it enough. I dont think you can go wrong with this school as they are very nurturing and adjust their style to deal with different personalities. Good luck in your decision x

[balhamite]

Thanks everyone!

[stylishmom]

My little one is at MC.

It is truly wonderful. They are so nurturing and really adapt to each individual child.

It is an amazing nursery school.

I don't have any experience of Oaktree, but adore MC.

Good luck!