Place to learn about and discuss top independent pre-schools/nurseries

[lala123]

Hello,

I am new to mumsnet...and motherhood so please bear with me. I am wondering if there is any discussion board, website or place I can go to to find all sorts of information (a one stop shop) on independent nurseries in london. For example in the US they have Urbanbaby (similar to mumsnet) where they have a section for mums to go to in order to discuss or research specific schools. Mums wanting to learn about one school as compared to an other can just log in and read through what mothers have to say about the various nurseries and so they have a crash course on what the schools are and which ones are good, which aren't...and they can learn about the quirks and pros and cons of these places informally. Also its a good place to get information on the headmistresses/headmasters...their personalities...etc. etc. Does such a thing exist here in the UK? In London...to be specific? I would love to have access to such a forum. Thanks in advance for any insight.

[arfishy]

Hi Lala and welcome to mumsnet and motherhood .

I'm not aware of anything as detailed as you're asking for.

Theres this one:

reviews.independentschools.com/england/browse.php?id=8

Which also has a forum:

www.independentschools.com/forum/index.php?s=df9e64981a2e85a0d6d00d2e36cb8837&act=idx

and you might also want to go to the Independent Schools Show in London:

www.schoolsshow.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=4034

If you search in Mumsnet you'll find lots of threads about London schools, with the sort of detailed information you're asking about. Not all schools though, just ones that mumsnetters have specifically asked for.

Good Luck with your search.

[seeker]

Have to say I hope there isn't such a site. Sounds like a perfect forum for gossip and rumour spreading, personal score settling and character assassination....!!!!!!

[ScienceTeacher]

I haven't come across such a website. I think it would be out of character for the majority of private school families, tbh - something a bit tawdry about it.

You can find out which schools are in your area by looking at the Independent Schools Council website, and then perhaps you can find the info you are looking for by word of mouth.

TBH, the best way to judge a school is to observe it in action. What other people are looking for in schools does not necessarily match what you need.

[seeker]

Seems pretty tawdry to state school families too!

[lala123]

Thank you all for your help and comments. I greatly appreciate it.

[hana]

they are called headteachers now as well - other terms are terribly old fashioned!