Pre-schools

[Sam's]

Does anyone have experience of Sam's ELC on Mutiara?  

[Ask the right people]

This is not the right place to ask. You get plenty of bullshit rather than good advice that you can use. It will confuse you further. Visit the schools, take your child with you and do a trail than decide. You will know by then.

[Lock Road?]

What about Lock Road for the elder one? The younger one could start at 2.5. My children went there and it's a lovely little school. Not exactly spanking new, but great staff and fantastic children. It was recommended to us by Tanglin, so they are clearly happy with the programme kids follow whilst there.

They may be moving though, not sure if they know where to yet, or even if they definitely have to move.

[Britmumm]

If considering Lock Road, make sure you enquire about the maximum class size. They were up to 23 four year old kids in one class last year (in a small classroom). Also, they are really behind regarding nutrition and not willing to act on parents requests for improvement. They are also closed for holdiays for approx 4 months of the year.

[Britmum not loggedin]

Please note that Britmumm is not me

[odd...]

what's also bizarre is that kids take packed lunches at Lock Road, so I'm not sure why nutrition would be relevant to the school. They did get a snack at school, but it was plain crackers and fruit - what seems to be the universal snack of the kindergarten in Singapore.

I'm obviously going to be defensive though, I loved Lock Road.  

Incidently, there were 20 in my 4 year old's class there last year, have just checked on the class list. I thought this was big, but as that's the reception / nursery class elsewhere it doesn't seem excessive.  

And the term / holiday times coincide with Tanglin's. Aren't most schools on a similar schedule, although some over 4 terms? I think only the 'childcare centers' operate year-round.

[britmumm]

From what I can tell when I visited, the morning snack was a bit of fruit, but kids were mainly eating sweet biscuits and ribena. Maybe that was a special day or something.

I guess if you're a working mum, the international school calendar is not going to work so well, given all the holidays.  There are other preschools that have less holidays though. Loved the playground though.

[mum fr Kent]

there are many preschools in Singapore....best way forward is to see what suits your child best...and affordability! frankly i think  afew of them like blu house nursery, swallows, odyssey are all over priced.They are not in any way an international school but charge comparable prices ! so, look around and see what feels right for your child. good luck !

[lsla]

 i agree with the last comment and you must know what you are looking for.We love WhiteLodge and it has suited us very well.The teachers are lovely and the curriculum is very good.we have no issues with local teachers, the calender suits us well as they have fewer school holidays and it is more affordable than afew other preschools.There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in the school and we love the Saturday field trips as Dads get to attend it!

[oldschool]

My advice: Dont choose a school that has just opened up. Its likely that they will have problems for the first two years or so and things are not settled and staff is not experienced. Chose a school that has been around for years and has a reputation. That was our experience when we chose a school that is just advertising above my post right now.

[don't get it]

I must be out of my mind but I just do not understand why every time somebody says that WhiteLodge is a nice place, somebody claims the poster to be the owner. Someone really hates WL for reasons I do not know.

Anyway, we have 3 years experience on WL and everything has been ok. No problems, kids love it there and they have been very flexible with us. Our kids have been to Jalan Siap and South Buona Vista branches.

[oldschool]

no no, I dont mean you. I mean the one which is on the very top of the page and really advertising. I dont know white lodge and cant say anything about them! Sorry for the confusing message.