Early Learning Centers

[Christina888]

Ok, so,I've trawled the threads several nights in a row and can't seem to find a definitive answer about ELC's in Singapore. I heard about 'The Blue Nursery' which sounds/looks great but the fees are very expensive. Am i the only one shocked? I have a 21 month old girl whom i'd like to start taking to daycare for a couple of days. Before you all tell me to check the previous threads (i have!), i really want a program that is similar to that of Early Learning Centers in Australia.

Oh , i also read about White Lodge? Where are all the other expats sending their children?? Thanks in advance!

[illoyd1]

I have a three year old son who will require nursery provision when we relocate mid March. Like you I have read many 'threads' on many sites and struggling to achieve much. I also looked at Whitelodge and have arranged a visit but read a few negative comments recently. I have been looking at Cherie Hearts. The establishments who have e-mailed back have all been full

[snowqueen]

My son started at Whitelodge at Eastgate last January (2011) and he absolutely loves it. The teachers are lovely and the curriculum is very good. I love the field trips we do every term and the presentation the class performs for you. The fees I find are quite 'middle of the road', it's not the cheapest but it's not the most expensive either. The only gripe I've heard recently is the fact the school is moving to Guillimard Road which isn't as nice as the current location and this has caused quite a logistical problem for those without a car who walk their children to school. I am moving my son to their Upper East Coast school at the start of next term but without a car I would not be able to get to either location.

My friend sends her son to Blue House and he loves it there, however they are expensive and with the new expansion plans they have they are trying to get parents to 'donate' large sums of money to fund the projects - eg $10,000 for a water feature, $20,000 for shade sails, $x's for a rockery garden etc. I don't know much about the curriculum but it seems more like a 'free play' school rather than following set topics each term and rather than play with bought toys it's more cardboard boxes and bottle tops (Reggio Imelda method (?)) so I don't know where their high school fees goes. However, Shona is quite popular with the parents and the kids love the school.

Cherie Hearts is a day care centre as well as a school so that could leave more options open to you if you were going to work.

[Christina888]

Thanks, Snowqueen. I'll be moving in or around the Novena area, so will be looking for something that is easily asessible as i won't have a car. The more think about the Blue Nursery the more i am annoyed; particularly after the comments you made about the request for 'donations'. They are asking $2500 for 6 hours a week plus plus a number of other plus pluses!!!! Sounds like Shona is taking advantage the 'expat' dollar, if you ask me. i am getting very stressed about the whole thing as no one (other than yourself) seems to have any helpful suggestions. I'll have to wait untiil i get there and go look for myself. Thanks again.

[LondonByeBye]

we recently arrived in Singapore (about 2 weeks ago) and have 2 girls, 3.5 years and 21 months. I was also finding the whole school/preschool very stressful before I came but have found it much less so since being here.

In saying that We have yet to commit to enrolling our girls anywhere but have confirmation that there are places available at preschools we have visited for both our girls, this includes Blue House and Eton House.

in my view both are great and both very expensive. As mentioned they are using Regio Emilia method and my concern is that the children would not be challenged, I'm still looking for the correct school but one thing Singapore does not seem to lack so far is choice in terms of pre schools. Good luck with it!

Preschools that I've been advised to look into are

White lodge,
Blue house,
Eton house,
Little hands,
pats schoolhouse
the prep place
Odyssey

[Christina888]

OK, so I've been, seen and have not been impressed. I forwarn that some people may be offended at what i have to share but remember that these are only my opinions based on my experience! I went to visit 6 centres and i can only say that 2 were up to my standard. The 6 were, The Prepartory Place, Eton House, Willow Nursery, Raffles House, Orange Grove, Pibos Garden Preskool.

Willow Nusery is run by and expat and only enrols expat children, i didn't have a problem with this and found that centre clean, organised and generally the best of them all. Eton House was great also but only had local teachers and local food for snack times.

All the other places were not very impressive in that some smelt of urine, had shabby play equipment and just didn't have a very good feel.

I ended up enrolling my daughter into Willow and we are very happy. That said, has anyone heard of Bibinogs?

[saudade]

Hello again christina 888,

I just wrote you in another thread and now read about your choice. Does your daughter stated attending the preschool already? You said you are very happy, that's great. I imagine how difficult it is finding THE right place as I am also quite critical myself.
We have enrolled our son at German European School, they also have a toddler group (2-3 times / week) which is only English speaking. My son is going to the German section though. We only relocate in September so we'll see!

Wish you all the best

[snowqueen]

OK, so I've been, seen and have not been impressed. I forwarn that some people may be offended at what i have to share but remember that these are only my opinions based on my experience! I went to visit 6 centres and i can only say that 2 were up to my standard. The 6 were, The Prepartory Place, Eton House, Willow Nursery, Raffles House, Orange Grove, Pibos Garden Preskool.

Willow Nusery is run by and expat and only enrols expat children, i didn't have a problem with this and found that centre clean, organised and generally the best of them all. Eton House was great also but only had local teachers and local food for snack times.

All the other places were not very impressive in that some smelt of urine, had shabby play equipment and just didn't have a very good feel.

I ended up enrolling my daughter into Willow and we are very happy. That said, has anyone heard of Bibinogs?

I used to take my son to Bibinogs when he was about 14 months or so for the parent/toddler classes. There's only 2 class rooms and it doesn't really strike me as a proper 'school', more like an enrichment centre. It was a good filler for when he was young but now he's 3, I wouldn't even consider it, personally. Others may think it's great.

[saudade]

Hello Christina888,

I was wondering if you have some positive experiences to share with us about Willow Nirsery since you moved a couple of months ago?

As I mentioned, my son is enrolled at GEES but We are coming to Singapore on holidays soon and I want to use the opportunity and visit some preschools to be really sure about our 1st choice.

Thanks.