Nido Early School Riverton

Went for a tour on 30/09/2022 and was told at the time that they had been open about 2 weeks. I was informed that nursery 1 (6 weeks-18 months age range) could take up to 12 babies/toddlers and at that time I could pretty much pick any days I wanted for my daughter to attend as there was still plenty of availability. I organised an orientation session for 2 weeks after that, and then to start 2 days/week the week after. This was a big change for my daughter as she had never previously attended childcare and is considered very attached/sensitive personality. After the first week of attendance, we got told by the Service Administrator that they would like her to move to nursery 2 (from 18 months - ?2 years age range) firstly because there was not enough staff and secondly because she was “developmentally ready” although could not specify how she was developmentally ready for nursery 2.My husband and I were a bit stunned as it was already a very big week for our daughter getting introduced to the centre and educators in nursery 1 and she did not cope well. We felt uneasy to change rooms and educators only after 1 week. Although unsure, I thought I should speak directly to the Centre/Service Manager Katrina Dyson to get more of an explanation as to why they wanted her to move. When I talked to Katrina she stated that the Service Administrator made a mistake and that my daughter should not have been enrolled into nursery 1 at all. That currently my daughter makes up the 9th person in nursery 1 and in order for her to stay in that room, they would have to hire another educator (Ie 1 educator:4 children ratio). She was not willing to do so (which I can understand from a financial point of view). Katrina made no mention of my daughter being developmentally ready for nursery 2. She did not think to suggest we come in to get an orientation of nursery 2. I had to ask her if it would be ok to come in again to specifically meet the new educators in nursery 2 and spend some time there with my daughter to get orientated again. I came in to the centre at the time Katrina indicated would be best and at that time the main educators were all going to lunch so there was a fleeting meeting on the stair case. I noted that all the children in nursery 2 could walk already and eat at the table (rather than highchair). My daughter couldn’t at that time so I asked how they thought she might cope in nursery 2 considering these children seemed more physically advanced. Although some of the educators in nursery 1 answered that it wouldn’t be a big issue, I still wasn’t reassured. Moving my daughter to the next room up felt as though it was purely a financial decision with no regards to my daughter’s physical capability or emotional wellbeing.I had hoped for some reassurance from the meeting with Katrina and coming in to the centre for another orientation (this time in nursery 2). I did not get that reassurance and so withdrew her from the centre. We enrolled her in another local childcare centre that has been really supportive (Nb: At her current daycare, my daughter still isn’t developmentally ready to move up rooms, so the likelihood of her being remotely ready 6 months ago was extremely unlikely).Aside from the above, the centre appears really well equipped and clean. The girl giving the orientation (I can’t recall her name but I think it may have been ?Sarah) was lovely and gave a good impression of the centre. The Service Administrator was also easy to contact via email and always responded professionally and promptly.There were some other minor issues that we came across, but they would be easily addressed after a chat or hopefully resolved now that the centre has been up and running for a decent time. I hope they don’t make the error again of enrolling too many children to the one room and only tell them after the child has already started. I could have even understood if they informed me before my daughter started so as to not have to put her through the experience of starting childcare more than once.

My daughter loves to go Nido Riverton. ☺️As we speak in a different language at home, i’m every time worried about my daughter to settle in a centre but i can see that she is always happy with her friendly educators and lovely friends. And i can see that she slowly understands English simple words.I am delight to see her pictures via Story Park app and checking her routine is also making me feel very comfort. We are very happy with their facility, environment, fee, foods, snacks and everything!☺️thank you for your caring my super cutie!