Parent anonymous

Review of Iverna Gardens Montessori Nurs...

Iverna is an overpriced childrens day care. This r...

Iverna is an overpriced childrens day care. This review is on behalf of all the dissatisfied families of which there are many. Had there been an honest fair review we the families would have made a different more informed decision.
Firstly, like others i enrolled my child based on the outstanding Ofsted rating and tattler review. I was also impressed by Ms Felicity s sales talk and what you child will achieve. This nursery seems a very British educational institution.
However things for you to consider and benefit of my knowledge in bullet points:

1. They have one out side toilet for all 45 morning children to use, please take a look they will not show you this on the tour. Oh yes if they can find 45 kids they will fill up the class till its chaos. However this year i have heard and years to come most Parents have not or will not send their second child back or taken them out completely.
2. They do not have a true ratio 1:4 or 1:8 as described. you live and learn! The more enrol the more kids are attached to key teachers.
3. You get what teacher they decide for the entire time at Iverna. The better Experienced ones are saved for Miss Felicity s favourites, Usually alumni/ returning children/siblings. This was the biggest grumble amongst parents and nannies. The quality of teachers vary significantly especially with there high turnover of staff who inform us of playing favourites with the teaching staff too, explains the revolving door of staff.
4. The favourite teachers give you photos, better updates and preferential treatment. The new teachers are finding there way or leave.
5. If you opt for your child to stay all day not just mornings, your child is stuck in their basement in the afternoons. Something your not aware of or see till your child is enrolled.
6. Bring in your own fruit to share. No milk, biscuits, fruits or snacks are provided. who knows whether your child is eating their fruit or not.
7. Pay for French classes separately, my child learnt nothing from this class. It should be included, another way to get money from parents.
8. There is no program of teaching Or enhancing for 3/4 year olds, they get the same old bog standard day care stuff they do over and over.
9. Favourite children tend to make bread, it only happens once a day with two kids. So other children are left upset.
10. Miss felicity is not approachable, she will stonewall you and your child if you complain.

12. The paint they use stains clothes, ie shoes, socks and clothes. The smocks don t cover your child fully after all. Its not petty since other nurseries and schools have better products that are stain resistant or water soluble.
13. Bring in food and drinks to various Iverna evenings, not been asked this at other nurseries or schools, including state school.
14. Coats are kept outside all year long whether it rains or snows.
15. Bullying happens, With 45 kids its difficult to monitor
16. Children who need extra attention ie those who can talk yet or other learning difficulties are priority your child gets left to there own devices. Hence i called it Day care as I mentioned above.
17. In the summer only few children can go out the rest stay indoors, its not large enough for entire class to play in the summer so the kids literally fight to be outdoors. But during the winter my child was forced outside since there were too many children inside and it was crowded. My child was told if your well enough to be in nursery then you can play outside.
18. In the last four years Iverna Victoria road has had four different head teachers and completely new staff.
19. A nanny complained they were not teaching or using the principles/techniques to encourage learning through play. most children were not school ready.