Nido Early School Maylands

"I decided to move my 4-year-old daughter, who is sociable and confident and who has (happily) attended daycare since she was 6 months old, to Nido Maylands about 6 weeks ago. I was attracted by the nice facilities, close to home and offered casual care for the school holidays. I regretted my decision almost right away. The first afternoon I collected my daughter, there were a handful of kids left, who were watching an ipad an educator was holding. It looked like the educator was asleep. There was no interaction with the children. My usually active daughter was lying on her back. Alarm bells rang. I tried to persevere. On about our third day, we arrived at 7.45am and were told the kindy room teacher didn't start until 9am (I had known this but expected a morning plan to be in place for children my daughter's age). I was hurriedly told in the hallway to "take her to Toddlers." The room was chaos, with young children screaming and educators seeming panicked, like there was no co-ordination, plans or activities to distract the children. I stood inside the room for a good 5 minutes hoping to be directed where to go or what to do. Nobody acknowledged us. When my look grew more stern (I was getting late for work), one educator said - "She can just stay here. What's her name?" I was appalled at the impersonal nature. No one was available to interact with or reassure her. I didn't feel secure leaving my daughter there. She was grasping my hand saying, "Mummy, I want to stay with you." I decided to withdraw her. When I emailed the person in charge with a simple, "I've decided to withdraw my daughter" - I received a response saying, "Sorry to hear that. You will need to give two weeks notice." That was it. No request for the reason or any feedback. Clearly, these people are interested in money only and have no interest in individual children. Someone leaves after 4 days and you don't even ask why? I sent my daughter once more and she was crying by afternoon for me to return. I had just started a new job and was forced to miss two days because my daughter started saying she was unwell. She went today for her last day (which we as parents are forced to for CCS purposes). To try to make it positive for her, I sent sweets to hand out at the end of the day and a card for the kindy room educator (I liked the kindy educator, she seemed warm and competent). Tonight my girl has not been able to sleep for 2 hours past bedtime. When I finally got her to open up about what she was worried about, it transpired that she had found a lip-smacker in her locker and put it in her pocket. I saw it when I dropped her off and assumed it was hers. Turns out she initially thought it was a gift for her. From what I gather she was made to feel bad in front of everyone when, when it was identified as someone else's and missing, she went and got it from her jacket pocket. An educator apparently scolded her in front of the other kids. They teased her. Earlier or later, it's not clear, she told educators she was feeling unwell and they told her they had called and messaged her mummy but that I wasn't answering, which is untrue. I received no calls or messages to alert me that my child was distressed. So as well as feeling ashamed about the lip-smacker, my daughter was led to believe her mum didn't come when she needed me. She was devastated. To add insult to injury, my daughter was told she couldn't hand out the lollies and the packet was taken off her to put at reception for whole centre to take on the way out. My daughter wasn't even offered one. My apologies for the long post. I considered sending this by email to the centre but decided against it, since I have no confidence that any parent feedback is taken seriously. Best decision ever to withdraw my daughter from Nido Maylands. She didn't feel safe there. The service is poor and organisation seriously lacking. For context, we have attended three separate centres and this is the first and only time I've felt strongly enough to warn others. AVOID."

"My two-year-old started in Nido Maylands in January, after a year at another day care. We moved him to Nido because we were impressed with the facilities and thought the smaller class sizes would suit our son better. We are so delighted that we made the change. He has thrived in the Toddler 1 room and loves all the activities. Gemma, the lead educator, has been wonderful, and always shares positive stories about his day and gives me advice whenever needed. She shares the lesson plans every week and seeks feedback for any goals we would like our son to work on. Our son has made great friends because of the smaller class numbers and he regularly talks about his buddies! Jazmin in administration, the manager Kalani, and all the amazing educators, contribute to creating a warm and welcoming environment for families. I would highly recommend Nido Maylands to everyone."

"Best daycare so many positive things they don't just watch over your kids and that's it they want them to succeed in milestones and education levels very involved on with communication with parents there's only been maybe a few times where I picked up my child and the shoes are on the wrong foot or they were a bit wet other than that they let me know what the routine is daily."

"My 6 month old daughter attends this service and I can not fault it. The centre is always clean, calm and inviting. The staff are so friendly and welcoming you can tell they actually care about your child including the kitchen and office staff."

"We were debating whether to move our son from his previous daycare, but we are really pleased we did. The educators are lovely, he is included far more in group activities than the previous place. He loves the outdoor space and the painting and crafts he does. He feels safe and included, no longer cries when dropped off as he did at his previous daycare. He is less sick than before and has good friends. We highly recommend Nido Maylands."