Childs Play Nursery's Reviews
Nursery
Below are the parent reviews for CPNS. Back to CPNS's profile
Average Rating:
(5 from 14 reviews)
Our little girl has been attending Child's Play Nursery for well over a year now. We really do believe this place is special, and that's all because of the long-serving staff that care for the children. I am now in my 30s, and I went there as a young child when it hadn't been open long. Melanie, the current nursery owner and manager, was there when I was little - I honestly still remember her warmth and kindness to this day. It's a feeling more than a clear memory, but it has really stuck with me. Needless to say, I was so happy to learn that Melanie was still running the nursery together with a group of like-minded, wonderful staff. Sending my daughter there under her care was a no brainer. Our daughter is thriving in the creative, empathetic, gentle environment they provide. SETTING: CP is run out of a large converted Victorian house which has been extended. It's a smaller setting than some other nurseries in the area (we actually liked this about it), yet beautifully thought-out and crafted in a way that inspires and engages the kids to play independently so well. The all-weather outside space is the star of the show, with two beautifully designed gardens. LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Learning is woven into free play and special activities. Staff seem to seamlessly follow each kid's lead with how/what/when they learn. If a child shows an interest in something, they follow it and create new activities around that interest. Our daughter loves music and dance, and they used this a lot to help her settle in during the early weeks. Each day has a simple familiar pattern and structure to it which helps regulate and reassure the kids, with tons of variety and special projects/events/activities thrown in. CARE & EMPATHY: This is the absolute foundation here and strongest selling point for us. It's not easy being a young child with so much newness to navigate all the time, especially away from your parents, but the staff here create a safe, comforting environment. They provide lots of cuddles when needed, and help to empower the kids with language or actions to deal with their emotions without judgement. FOOD: Tricia is the in-house chef, and also seems to be one of the kids' favourite members of staff! She is also a huge hit with the parents due to her magical powers in providing such a healthy, varied menu for the little ones, which seems to go down well even for the fussy eaters. Our daughter has food allergies, and the utmost care has been taken to accommodate these, for which we are incredibly grateful. Food is served in the beautiful new-build extension which is flooded with natural light and a very happy communal space. COMMUNICATION: There is plenty of opportunity for ad-hoc conversations with the carers at drop off or pick up, and you are never felt rushed or unwelcome to do this. Staff are also readily accessible on email or the mainline phone as needed. The team also use an online app where they upload videos, photos and written observations of your child (on average once or twice a week) available only to you. In addition, there are two "parents evenings" a year for more in depth, in person conversations with your child's key worker. OVERALL: The nursery care provided in this setting is done with passion and dedication, and it feels like so much more than a job/business. It really does feel like an extended family - which can be a cliched thing to say, but it's so true of Child's Play. Melanie knows how to put together the right team of carers to look after little people. Thank you guys for all you do. And any prospective nursery parents reading this - get on the waiting list ASAP!
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by
Holly
about
CPNS
on 10/10/2024
Response by
CPNS
on 20/10/2024:
What a wonderfully heartwarming review.
We are delighted by all that you have observed, the value that you have seen in all of the activities, environment & staff & that you have commented on Tricia's input:- which, as you have said goes far beyond the care that she puts into the food that she prepares - she is indeed a integral part of our team in every sense & the impact that all of these factors are having on your small person's learning, development & happiness.
Feedback from nursery families is very precious to us as it comes from your lived experience. This review means something extra special to me, as it comes from your twice lived experience; as a child here yourself & as a parent.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience & most importantly for entrusting your small person to care.
Just a great nursery for your little one to go to. Mel and Vikki truly love what they do and all the other members of staff are always very helpful.
Delicious and healthy and freshly cooked meals every day and a lovely and nurturing environment.
We feel very lucky for our little one to have joined Child's Play he absolutely loves it!!!
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by
Elle
about
CPNS
on 09/10/2024
Response by
CPNS
on 09/10/2024:
Thank you for your warm words about the nursery, we are delighted that you are happy and that you feel that you have made the right choice for your small person.
The best nursery in the world. They are so caring, nurturing, patient and kind here. My little girl has flourished under their care and grown so much in confidence. When she first came to them she was quite shy and unsure of herself, so they made it their mission to provide her with opportunities where she could take the lead. Now she practically runs the place!
It's so wonderful and comforting knowing that she's in such excellent hands every day. They have a stellar reputation in the community and with current/ former parents. I've never heard a negative thing about Childs Play and after having had a child with them for 2+ years, I can see why. Would highly recommend them to anyone!
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by
Stacy
about
CPNS
on 27/06/2024
Response by
CPNS
on 09/10/2024:
I read your review with a big smile, in my minds eye I can still see your little person in her early days at nursery. It brings us all great joy to be lucky enough to still be a part of her life & watch as she stretches her wings still further as she heads off to Big School each day :)
We switched our daughter from her previous nursery to Childs Play because we felt she wasn't developing as she should. Changing I was the best decision we ever made. Our daughter was extremely shy and never spoke up for herself. The dedicated staff empowered her to find her voice and encouraged her to reach out for help when she needed it. The transformation has been remarkable-she is now more confident and communicative. In addition to her shyness, our daughter had several sensory issues. The team at went above and beyond to accommodate her needs. They wrote a letter to the local development center, helping us get on the waitlist for an ADHD and autism assessment. Their proactive approach has been invaluable. The nursery staff created a supportive environment tailored to her needs. They introduced a timer so she can have quiet time when needed and allowed her to wear headphones to manage sensory overload. These thoughtful accommodations have made a world of difference for her.
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by
KajalKol
about
CPNS
on 26/06/2024
Response by
CPNS
on 09/10/2024:
Nothing makes us happier than to see the precious small people that you entrust to us blossom, reaching their full potential and viewing themselves with pride and positivity as they head off to school. The real proof of this to us is that she has the desire & confidence to come back to visit and to show & tell us all that she is achieving - especially her friendships.
There's something incredibly special about Child's Play - it's unlike any other nursery I've ever stepped into.
The setting itself is welcoming, well equipped and clearly full of fun and joy. The two gardens are wonderful and the children spend time out there every day, come rain or shine! They engage with the wildlife, help to take care of their nursery surroundings and the place is very much an extension of home.
The staff know each child as if they're their own, all their quirks, likes, dislikes and things that are important to them. Many of the staff members have been there for years (some for decades!) which tells you all you need to know about how lovely the setting is. The activities they plan for the children are well thought out, wholesome and thoroughly enjoyed by the little ones.
Our little girl has been there for 18 months now, and our little boy will be joining next year. It's a truly special nursery and any family joining are incredibly lucky.
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I cannot recommend Child's Play nursery enough! My son has just finished at this nursery as he now has started school. He attended for nearly 2 and a half years and he has thoroughly loved it. The manager Mel and her team treat every child like they are part of the family, they nurture, love and teach through play. The nursery is small so each child gets a lot of attention and activities are child led. I have particularly loved the way the staff are always updating me on what my son has being doing everyday and how he is improving in confidence, making friends and what he particularly enjoys. The 'red book' (a hard copy book which is taken home on a regular bases) has now been replaced by a new digital system which is easy to access and is a fantastic tool helping to give parents an in-depth insight into what their child has been getting up to at nursery. We were also updated regularly by my son's key person who loved telling us what he'd been getting up to at every pick up. The passion they have for the children is outstanding and I can't thank them enough for giving my son a safe ,loving and inspirational home to play, explore, ask questions, build relationships and make friends. What could be more important for a little person to start their educational journey with such love all around them. What I have found most recently is the wonderful way they have prepared my son for school. They have worked tirelessly to find weaknesses and help practice skills that will help them transition smoothly and ultimately thrive at school. I love Child's Play nursery and would highly recommend them to any parent looking for a nursery for their 2 year plus child. My daughter is about to start in November which I am thrilled about.
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Where do I begin? Normally when you write a review for a nursery or a school, you are thinking of an institution, but in this case we are talking about a family. We are so pleased to be part of Child’s Play family since my little daughter joined at 2 1/2 years. I have seen many settings in professional and personal capacity and this stood out instantly as the setting for us! The size of the setting (much smaller compared to any nursery around), the amazing and well-used outdoor area, the pedagogy and the thinking that goes into every activity, the staff friendliness and retention that reveals a happy working group are unique and invaluable! The owner and deputy ensure that all staff are included in up-to-date training and involve children in interesting projects, often involving other languages and cultures, helping children understand themselves as part of the world. Staff’s personal style is nurtured but also aligned to a common approach. Links with community and the local university are evident, which adds to the richness of the provision. The biggest testament is that children LOVE to be there; we literally cannot take them back home in the evening, they just refuse to leave as they feel cared for and are very stimulated 🙂. Big thanks to everyone involved and special thanks to our amazing key person R who communicates tirelessly with us in person and through the detailed nursery ‘red book’! My daughter adores this personal narrative and goes over it again and again, which is part of learning and understanding of herself and others! Transitions are also facilitated beautifully (the nursery book in the beginning and little rituals about friends that have left are just examples that helped my daughter deal with change. I have already recommended to other parents and will continue doing so, as ‘Child’s Play’ is the ‘Child’s Place to be’! Certainly a great start for my little one’s education and care. Thank you!
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I don't typically write reviews, but I wanted to take the time to do so for Child's Play. My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 2 years old - 2 years now! We immediately felt that it was a home away from home, and my daughter took to the environment immediately. We love that it is located in a quiet residential street, in a converted house. Pick up and drop offs are quick and easy (our first nursery in Putney was a nightmare with parking).
The facilities are great, especially with the upgraded outdoor play area. Clearly Mel meticulously planned this wonderland with the children in mind. So much to explore, with imaginative play and exercise. There is also a 'bicycle' garden, and my daughter loves riding the bikes and the 'bus' with her friends. The resident bunny, Smudge, is also quite special, and the children do a great job at looking after him. It is quite cute how he hops around and just goes with the flow of the nursery.
The food is all made in the nursery kitchen by the amazing Trish. Although I haven't tried myself, it must be excellent as my daughter regularly wants seconds. I know they cater for many dietary needs, and I love that the new kitchen and children's dining area is integrated - making it feel homely, but also letting the children see the cook in action.
Our daughter has clearly learned a lot during her time at Child's Play. The latest was counting in German! She clearly thrives there. I had thoughts before she started of moving her to a 'pre-school' but I know that she is learning well at nursery and she will now stay until she starts big school next year.
What really stands out for us though is the nursery staff. There is hardly ever changeover, and each and every worker shows genuine care for the children. Through a difficult time personally, the staff were very supportive and helped by bringing our daughter home while I was in hospital, and extra days were always accommodated if humanly possible to make it work. It really does feel like an extension of family.
I would not hesitate to recommend Child's Play, and already have my unborn child on the list :)
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by
Sandy
about
CPNS
on 22/10/2018
Response by
CPNS
on 22/10/2018:
I cannot thank you enough for all of the wonderful things that you have said about your experience at Child's Play.
I am so glad that you are happy with us & that you see your small person thriving
My son has been going to Childsplay nursery since he was 2.5 and he absolutely loves it. We moved there after a bad experience in one of the bigger nurseries and have never regretted the move. It is a small nursery and has a home to home feel about it. Staff are absolutely great and they all do their job with a passion. It is a very caring atmosphere and they treat every child as an individual. At pick up the staff can give you a great handover of the day which shows that they pay attention to each child.
Our son comes home and each day he has learnt something new. They make learning fun. And I sure he will be well prepared for school.
They have two great gardens and spend a lot of time outdoors in all weathers.
They have their own chef on site who prepares lovely meals and takes special food requirements in to consideration. Even a fussy eater has started eating better because of the amazing food.
I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My younger son has been on the waiting list since he was born and we cannot wait for him to turn 2 so that he can start as well.
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Both our girls attended Child's Play from 2013 - 2018 in succession. I couldn't have wished for more, we tried nursery chains with their fast changing staff turnover and farm like structures, and we were lucky to have Child's Play recommended to us, so we switched when our eldest turned 2. They don't usually advertise, and rely on word of mouth. They offer an outstanding service, with a stability of staff in a homely atmosphere. The small quota and mixed ages ensure the children get lots of attention and the chance to interact with younger and older children. It is so comforting when you drop them off in the morning, to know that they are safe, and to know that when you pick up them up they will be animated and excited to tell you all about their day. The nursery is run with an efficiency, passion and dedication that cannot be left to words alone, go and see it, they should charge more too.
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