Finding a nursery for your little one can be overwhelming and time consuming! I have connected with experienced local parents to hear their views :)
Top must do's from parents with nursery experience:
Visit as many nurseries as you can and ask as many questions as you think of, it will help you best compare them.
See what the opening hours are and if you can do an early drop off or later pick up. Think about the location of the nursery and your commute to home and/or work.
Figure out what is important to you, size, meal types, outside time etc.
Talk to local parents with kids who recently went there or currently going there!
Recommended nurseries by local parents within Surbiton area (in no particular order)
Aspire 'Friendly staff, open communication, really great food and encouraging of kids to eat a variety of interesting and different meals, consider the play and communication environment well, develop reading and writing in the older kiddies, lots of good outdoor space, very supportive, lots of extracurricular that are great and the kids love and lots of special events and treats for the kids''
Childs Play Nursery 'It’s so warm and nurturing and personable. It’s a true safe space for your little one to thrive in. As an independently-owned nursery, you really feel a part of the family (some of their current teachers even attended the nursery themselves when they were young). I’ve never heard a negative word about the nursery from anyone. We adore it there and feel so lucky to have found it.'
Little Bears 'Can do school hours or 8am-6pm, all year round or term time only. Good outdoor space. Forest school. Lovely, caring staff. Very low staff turnover. My son is very happy! From 2 years old. Cheaper than the bigger chains such as Dicky Birds or Bright Horizons (so expensive!).
Little Heroes (Hampton Court Way in Thames Ditton) 'The most caring staff, it’s just like being at home (and the nursery is in a house!)'
Surbiton Hill Nursery (previously Surbiton Children's centre nursery) 'Great outdoor and indoor space, lots of outside time, routine when needed but lots of free flow. Staff are amazing. Flexible on hours (offered term time place with no extra charges for holidays)'
SJ Child minding 'The playroom, friendly childminders and the care they give'
More local Nurseries!
Dicky Birds (four locations)
A guide to starting Nursery from The Therapy Shed!
Zara is an Art & Play Therapist (and also local mum!) who specialists in supporting parents and children with a wide range of issues. Her advice is accessible and affordable in order to help families the best she can. Learn more about her work here!
Zara has shared a document that outlines how best to prepare your child for starting nursery!
Comments