14 Sep First impressions count
First impressions count both in a positive and negative way and that was certainly the case for Lucy and her partner Jamie when they were looking for a nursery for their first child, Alfie.
Originally, Alfie was signed up with another nursery but that all changed after Lucy and her mum took him to the settling in day.
“It just didn’t feel right to me.” said Lucy. “The first thing you saw was an office reception and you spoke to someone behind a glass panel. The only person who really spoke to us was the person who met us, it just didn’t feel very friendly or welcoming.”
Lucy decided to look elsewhere and found Little Pippins had a place available. This time the settling in day was a different experience.
“The first thing that struck me was the open space that leads to the lovely building,” said Lucy.
“Everyone was then so welcoming, they were all interested in Alfie and took time to chat. All the children looked so happy and I just thought thank goodness this place exists.”
Lucy trained as an early years teacher and now works as an Education Advisor. She needed a nursery for Alfie when she returned to work after nine months maternity leave.
“It was a huge deal for me, leaving my first child with strangers and I was anxious,” said Lucy.
“Then when we collected him after that first day at Little Pippins it was clear he had had a great time, he was so happy and the staff were excited to tell me what he had been doing.”
Alfie’s parents are impressed with his language development and the Montessori method of teaching used at Little Pippins. Many of Alfie’s toys at home now align with the Montessori principles of being made from natural products and encouraging learning through activity.
And through his play at home, Lucy can tell how much Alfie enjoys Little Pippins.
“We love the outdoors aspect of the nursery, the trips the children go on exploring the local Church or the woods,” said Lucy.
“At home Alfie tells us about the animals he’s spotted and also about the staff. When he creates his own little games at home he incorporates Miss Lizzie and Miss Roxy into them.”