'Proper' Preschools v Nursery?

[MartinLondon]

Hello, I'm moving to Singapore in November and we're looking at the moment for a preschool environment for our 3 year old to start next January. I've seen a few places - Whitelodge,TTS,Avondale,AIS, Thinking Box but am still not clear as to the real difference in the quality of education / care between a pre-school attached to a larger school and a nursery. They both seem to have decent curriculums and apart from the facilities which is obvious I'm not sure which way to go. Has anyone experienced both and wants to comment on their experience? Would really appreciate any advice. We're under pressure to commit one way or the other soon and not sure which way to go!

[mumfromOz]

Hi there!

Was in your shoes last year. I personally chose the nursery route for my two little ones because I found the larger schools a tad impersonal. Great facilities, looked fine, but just left me a bit cold.

I eventually went with the nursery where the person I spoke to was the most informed and adept at answering my myriad questions and quelling my concerns. Both my kids are happily settled now and I think it's largely due to the cosy place we chose for them.

No right or wrong answer here, at this stage, would just go with whoever you felt most comfortable with and what you think is best for your 3 yo.

Know what you mean about the pressure though. Most places have decent waitlists in Singapore, - just a fact of life here!

Good luck!

Ozzie mum

[MartinLondon]

Hi OzzieMum
Thanks for the advice. I think we'll go the same way - where it feels most comfortable. Fingers crossed!

[carolynW]

We faced that issue 18 months ago, the kids were 2.5 and 4.5 yrs then. They went to a "cosy" farm type school in the southern hemisphere on 7 acres of land with horses, chickens, fish and although it was cosy, they did have 200 students. It was well run and efficient.

We sent them to the Chinese International School mainly for the language component and the older child having to face primary school. The transition was easier than I thought, the kids liked being in school uniform. The school was actually way smaller at about 120 kids. They picked up the language and have settled well.

I think kids are very adaptable.

[keating19]

What school did you go with? We are in those shoes now. We're moving over from the US in June and trying to find a good program for my 3 year old daughter. Right now she goes to preschool 2 mornings a week at a local church. Definitely not a super fancy program, but she is learning a lot and loved... that's what we want for her!

We have been in touch with White Lodge but otherwise just starting our search. My husband and I will be going over in a couple of weeks to look into housing/preschool, etc. Would love any thoughts you have of places to check out while we are there!

[mumfromOz]

hiya keating...

nto sure which way martinlondon went...I had a look at several prenurseries/kindergartens and chose The Thinking Box at Tanglin for my two little ones. Liked the director/manager and loved all the teachers there. just a feeling i got.

initially i was concerned that it was too small but have come to realize that my kids have done well with the attention and nurturing. also a nice group of mums there who meet up and support each other - i like it for that too.

anyway, just my opinion! good luck with your search. it's such a personal thing

[keating19]

Thanks so much for your reply. I will have to check that one out!

[vicandpat]

Hello,
I would like to know if anyone has babies a bit older at the Thinking Box. My son is just 4, American.
I would please like to know someone's experience there, esp for the older kids. Mom from Oz, are you still posting?

I especially want to know about free play and art time, creativity etc. Of course every staff member assures me that all this is active and available, but I'd like a parent's gut feeling.
Thanks,

[mumfromOz]

Hi vicandpat...both my kids are at the thinking box. Highly highly recommend it. They do loads of creative arts and music...really love the end of term portfolios - just awesome. My older one is approaching 4 now - loving the school. I think one stand out feature is that they make sure the kid.s self esteem is intact over everything else. They prioritize social emotional development over everything else and i just really liked that about them. My kids are secure and happy and everything else just follows from that. Teachers are friendly and approachable, director is lovely, manager is knowledgable. Good combination if personalities that makes me and my kids comfortable.

Just my two cents. Sorry for errors, can,t type on an iPad yet!