Nurseries in Balham/Wandsworth Common Post Reply

[LP73]

Please could you give me some recommendations (and places to avoid) for nurseries in Balham/Wandsworth Common.

We really like the Montessori way of teaching but have heard mixed reports of the Montessori nursery in Balham.

Can I also ask at what ages have your children been when starting nursery? I work from home so my little one does not have to go from a certain age.

Is it good to start them at nursery earlier or is it best to spend more time in various groups?

Many thanks

[Catman]

Good question I would like to know too

[percymum]

We loved our time for both my daughters at Gateway House Nursery school. It is a small but traditional nursery that has a lovely village feel to it. All the staff were so well qualified and seem to never leave!! Couldn't recommend it more. Good luck with your search.

[Bensmum]

Hi

We use Stepping Stones on Elmfield Road, we love it and more importantly our son loves it so much that he runs in everyday with barely a backward glance! The nursery is very small and friendly the kids are happy and smiley too!

We looked round when I was pregnant and never looked back it just felt right and the attitude was right as well. Ben started when he was 6 months as I work full time so he is there for most of the day from 8/830 to 530/6 so it is really important that you are comfortable with your choice.

Happy to chat if you want to know more.

bensmum

[Joe's Mum]

For what it's worth my children were and are very happy at the Wainwright Montessori on Chestnut Grove (not sure if there is more than one montessori in Balham). They both had, and the one still there has, lovely warm teachers who genuinely seem to care. It is a great little nursery. I think that the smaller classrooms are great for that first transition from home to nursery. Mine went from 2 and a half yrs old.
Sorry if this reads in a slightly confusing manner. One has left, now at school, and the other still there, so the tenses are a bit muddled. Anyway a big thumbs up from us.

[Bodders1]

Both my children have also attended the Wainwright Montessori on Chestnut Grove (my 3 year old is still there and my elder son attended from 2 to 4.5). In my opinion is an absolutely wonderful nursery. The teachers are very kind and warm and the environment is extremely nurturing. It has a very much "home from home" feel. Please do PM me if you would like anymore feedback.

[putneystahm]

http://www.little-starlings.co.uk/

Highly rate this nursery with its lovely staff and cosy atmosphere but it runs for just under 2 hours, so not sure if this is what you are after. My little one started at 19 months.

[LP73]

Thank you so much for your feedback everyone it is so useful.

There is another Montessori in Balham called Nighingale 2 and it's located on Weir Road - any feedback for there??

Also does anyone have knowledge of Northcote House nursery?

Many thanks

[LuluDaffodil]

Hi there, just to add that I second what Bensmum said about Stepping Stones on Elmfield road. My daughter started in February as a baby and the staff there is very kind and lovely. She's so happy each time we drop her off. They're also very accommodating with what you want your lo to have for lunch or tea, even if they have to prepare something else.

We couldn't be happier!

Good luck.

[LLearners]

Little Learners is also great! We offer structured play sessions for toddlers aged from 15-30 months.

Located between the commons in SW11 we are fully OFSTED registered, open from 9.30-12 during the term times and offer either 3 or 2 mornings sessions each week.

Michelle
Little Learners
www.claphamlearners.com

[LP73]

Thank you - we will take a look at the new recommendations too.

[pie81]

Sounds like you're looking for a nursery school rather than a daycare nursery?

If so, the ones I have most seen recommended are Marmalade Caterpillar (Boundaries Road), Wainwright Montessori (Chestnut Grove) and Oaktree (Ramsden Road). Also the nursery school of Bertrum House gets good reviews I think. I've only visited Marmalade Caterpillar and Wainwright but they both seemed great.

Little Learners is great for a younger age child - my child goes and loves it. It's smaller and less formal than a nursery school, and with slightly shorter sessions, so if you think your child isn't quite old enough for nursery school it could be a good option.

[LP73]

Yes we are looking for a nursery school for aged 2+ Does anyone have knowledge of Northcote House nursery?

[TheFruityTreeNursery]

Hi LP73

We are opening The Fruity Tree Nursery in September, offering morning sessions between 9.30am - 12.30pm. The nursery is located in the Church of Ascension Hall on Malwood Road.

We have 2 open days next month - 13 and 20 June - if you would like to come and have a look around. Our head teacher, Vicki Wilberforce-Ritchie (who is Montessori trained) will also be there to answer any questions you may have.

There's more information on our website but please drop me an email if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment at our open mornings.

nichola@fruitytree.co.uk
http://www.fruitytree.co.uk

[LP73]

Hi Nicola

Thanks for the message. Sadly, Clapham South is too far from where we would like to be.
Good luck with the opening.