Blue Windmill

Our Daughter joined Blue Windmill Nursery in December 2022 and we couldn't be happier with the nursery. Prior to joining we had a settling session where myself and partner were able to attend and see the nursery, my child instantly enjoyed playing with the staff and other children which made me feel at ease so much. The nursery have been brilliant at communicating about my daughters progress and very understanding and helpful if we are having any issues. We receive seasonal artwork/cards eg for Mothers day which was lovely. There is great outdoor play spaces and we often stop by the ducks in the morning. They started using an app which is perfect for tracking meals/naps and contacting the nursery staff with any questions. I've often had to request additional hours which they have supported. I fully trust the nursery with our child, the staff are so friendly. We have had many interactions with baby room staff and the nursery manager, all have been very positive.

I do not recommend this nursery. The Ofsted recommendation to improve communication between staff and parents is a significant issue.

There is no senior management/board of directors above the owner and director. This puts them in quite a position of power, and is reflected in their domineering behaviour.

The main issue I have with the nursery, is the lack of trust and transparency. They will tell you that your child is happy and content to keep their numbers up and money coming in. 

My son was fine until he moved to the pre-school room. From then he was unsettled at every drop off. I was reassured, consistently, that once I had left he was happy. A few months later he accused one of the workers of hitting him. 

Instead of investigating calmly and following safeguarding protocol, I was intimidated into retracting the allegation. Then the narrative became about how difficult my son was, suggesting the need for a psychologist to deal with his disruptive behaviour.

I moved him to a new nursery and he is happy and settled with no issues at drop off, or reported during the day. He has been at his new nursery for 3 months now and all is going great. 

I can only assume Blue Windmill were either lying about his behaviour, as it fitted with him lying about being hit. Or it was true, and they neglected to tell me for 4 months. In my professional opinion, a disruptive child, is usually one who's needs are not being met. 

1 month after leaving the nursery, during a dispute about the final invoice, the manager decided to report me to social services. Alledgedly for my irrational behaviour (moving my son and disputing the final invoice which was double what we normally paid) and my son's emotional outbursts. This was dropped by children's services following one call to me and his new nursery. The children's services representative felt it was a malicious act on the part of Blue Windmill. 

Tread very carefully with this nursery. The lack of a waiting list should be warning enough. Good nursery's get booked up months in advance. 

Aside from my specific issues. Other grievances included their lack of flexibility regarding food. It's either their healthy, home made menu, or nothing at all. And as we all know, toddlers are rarely interested in fish pie and rice cakes. 

They work to the government ratio rules so rarely more than 2 members of staff in the room for 24 children (the third member away for toilet duty etc). As such they're unable to accommodate nap or quiet time. The nursery has a general feeling of ongoing chaos, witnessed at every pick up. Members of staff trying to tidy and hoover around tired, overstimulated children who are literally crawling over each other. I do not feel that the nursery practitioners are well supported in their role by the managers. Always appearing rushed off their feet and stressed. Our favourite worker left. I suspect they have a high staff turnover.