Feedback wanted on Nusery - Oak Tree Honor Oak park

[Susan]

Anyone have any feedback on Oak Tree Nursery in Boveney rd (near Honor Oak park station)

Thanks

Susan

[jennyh]

Me too please!! Will read with interest.

[Susan]

Anyone?

Thanks

Susan

[Browncoffee]

I have my two girls (3 and 1.5yo) at Oak Tree Honor Oak and we love it there!

My 3 year old was at another ED nursery for her first year at nursery and we made a decision to move due to poor admin, communication etc from the other other nursery.

As you can imagine, it was a tough decision to make but remains one of the best childcare decisions we've ever made. The managers at Oak Tree provide a very happy environment not just for the children under their care, but for the staff. Their communication has been flawless and as you can tell, we're huge fans:-)

Please feel free to send me a PM if you have any queries.

[kam1]

Two of my children went to Oaktree over the past few years, nurseries are a very personl thing and you really do need to visit to get a feel for the place but this has been my experience.

On the plus side it is a nice, small nursery with a homely enviroment (although I understand they have plans to expand), my children were always happy there and I knew that they were well looked after in a safe and loving environment. I would say it is better for babies/young children than for 3 year olds, pre-schoolers and those than need a bit of extra stimulation. Towards the end I felt if was more of a babysitting service for my children once they got older and the amount of things they did with them, i.e. trips outside, activities, etc. was minimal.

However it is far from perfect and funnily enough in contrast to Browncoffee's experience I have always found the communication from management appalling and have been shocked at some of the letters and emails they have sent. It is not the lack of communication that was the problem more the unprofessional way things were said. I think the management let the nursery down, they do not have good people skills in my opinion and are entirely inflexible when it comes to things like being a little bit late picking up, wanting to swap days, etc. Also this is probably true of many nurseries due to low pay but there is a really high staff turnover, just when you are getting to know and like the staff they leave and I often got the sense that all was not well between management and staff.

In summary I would probaby consider using the nursery again if I had to because I know the children will be safe and happy and that is the most important thing but there is definitely room for improvement in many areas.

[Bunny22]

I agree; another thumps up for Oaktree! I have a daughter there for the past two years who has just moved over to their preschool room. I originally pulled her out of another nursery because I felt she was not getting the care that she deserves, and I must say it was a great decision.

The nursery staff, although some are young, are caring and really get to know all the Children and and meet their needs, and have nurtured my little one. I have seen preschool develop into a really great class room, with the addition of new and seasoned teaching professionals and I am very happy for her to continue until Reception. Also they continue develop close links with the local schools like Fairlawn (which we would like her to go to.)

The communication with the management have always been great, unlike other settings they are always quick to respond with emails and genuinly will try and accommodate your request or answer your quiries. However, they do expect their fees to be paid promptly and will charge you a late fee if you go past their closing time!

The Nursery has only been going just over three years and they have worked really hard to provide a great setting for the little ones, and I have seen it grow and develop in a great place. They have mentioned they are planning to expand into the building next door, but that is yet to happen........

[shellbear]

Late to this but just to add that my daughter attended this nursery (although over 2 years ago now) and I thought the garden was great, and that the care was good enough, but far from perfect, and I have been far happier with subsequent nurseries I have chosen for my son. It is a personal thing but I agree with Kam1 I thought the way management communicated with parents was totally unprofessional. I think this trickled down to staff as as soon as my daughter got to know and love somebody they would leave. Also for me the settling in policy was not conducive to a happy child or parent, so it felt like it got off to a wonky start. There felt like their lacked a desire to have a parent community in the way that I have found elsewhere. They have home cooking, it's convenient for station and it may well have improved but that was my experience and I wish I had had some honest feedback when I put my first in nursery as I felt a bit lost.

[Fjgb]

My child goes to this nursery and we like it a lot. Everyone has different views on nurseries and would recommend you go for a visit.