Swans Care and Education

Sam Wretham

8 months ago

When investigating local childcare options for our daughter, we were stuck between the homely setting of a childminder and the consistency of a nursery - to us Swan’s offered the best of both worlds... The setting As a small setting it has a real family feel and impressed us from the outset with Nicola (Nursery Manager) showing real pride in touring us. There are three rooms: Baby, Tweenies and Pre-School and all are well loved and maintained with changing seasonal displays, toys and activities. There is an outdoor garden area that offers great stimulation - it isn't the largest but they do make great use of it! Overall, it's an inclusive and diverse community atmosphere. The staff All of the staff are excellent and the majority are extremely experienced. Management have been in place 20+ years and Toni in the baby room has been at Swan's for years & years (so many, I forget!) - I found this reassuring when our daughter first started at 9 months old. The staff have remained consistent throughout our daughter’s 3 years at Swan’s with only a small, natural turnover - always a good sign! The staff are friendly, caring and vigilant and work hard to bond with the children and encourage development on an individual basis. They seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs and workplace. Many of the staff also have their own children (not that this matters but some may find it comforting to know.) Ofsted Swans is rated Ofsted 'Good with Outstanding features' (personal development being one area they excel at.) It’s one of the higher rated Ofsted nurseries in the Prestwich area but often seems to get overlooked - I'm never quite sure why! It's a hidden gem. Rates, funding and inclusions Contact the nursery for the latest rates and funding info - all childcare is expensive but I remember it being one of the more reasonable rates in the area! Provisions includes breakfast, lunch and a light tea at around 4pm. Nappies, wipes and suncream are included for comparison purposes. Core hours Included in the standard daily payment rate is drop-off from 08.00am and collection by 5.30pm. You can pay a small fee extra to drop-off earlier (from 7.30am) and collect later (by 6pm.) Location & Parking Swans is located on Whittaker Lane - just 3 minutes walk from the Heaton Park metrolink stop. There is on-street parking behind the nursery on Earl Street - ideal for drop off & pick up, you will never find yourself fighting for a spot. App & tracking Swans uses the Learning Journals app to detail your child's day, communications and events. Up until pre-school - sleep, food intake, toileting and development milestones are all logged on the app along with regular pictures and videos of what your kiddo has been doing during the nursery day. Accidents/Incidents are also recorded via the app. Extracurricular activities My daughter has enjoyed regular seasonal walks/trips to Heaton Park, Stretch & Grow exercise classes (and for a very small fee extra) externally provided French lessons. Pre-school trips have been to Smithill's Farm and the Transport museum. Swans also put on an amazing graduation ceremony - it was above and beyond expectation with some lovely small take-home keepsakes. Other features There is secure on-site pram parking within the nursery boundary for those who need it. Summary We've been extremely happy with our experience of Swans for 3+ years. If we were to have any more children there is no doubt that I'd be popping my name down on the waiting list ASAP. Plus, both of my daughter’s Grandmas are retired primary school teachers and both have independently commented on how good her development has been (and now she's older - her readiness for school) crediting it largely to Swans and its staff. A huge thanks to Nicola, Emma, Joanne, Toni, Sana, Rachel, Leona, Kira and Ciara - you all do an amazing job and we’ll miss you & the amazing environment you work so hard to create on a daily basis.

Bianca Daisy

4 years ago

Both my children have attended Swans and have been well looked after and nurtured. The staff are fantastic and go above and beyond for children and parents. A lovely family style day nursery.

Helen P

11 years ago

lovely nursery my son absolutely loves it. the staff are great with the kids and all the kids are really happy and relaxed :)