The Grove Academy - Oatley

In the Oatley area there are a number of day care centres but many have no available spaces. Two that were did... In the Oatley area there are a number of day care centres but many have no available spaces. Two that were did (albeit limited in number of days per week) were The Grove and Parkside Montessori. When we checked both out in November, The Grove being new and more spacious certainly had the edge, but Parkside had a great advert in the young woman who runs the school. The daily rates were very close so pricing really was not a deciding factor. In the end, Parkside could not accommodate days as we wished so we went with The Grove. After starting at 2 days as week in November and then taking the opportunity for 5 days a week from beginning of the year, we are very happy with our choice for our two kids who are about 30 months old. Specific positives over Parkside are: a) The Grove provides lunch and snacks in the cost -really helps that one does not have to bother making lunch!; b) nappies are included in price – Montessori charges; c) more spacious environment. Also found out last week that a dentist is coming to check the kids’ teeth – no charge. Parkside does have a rabbit though which the kids seem to love. On a general basis - we are very happy with the staff and feedback we get. We get multiple photos every day; called if there has been any accident (bumped heads etc); the app shows time that they have slept; how many times they have been changed (checked every 2 hours) and how much they have eaten and what was on the menu. While music is played at times (like Frozen) they do not show internet/videos. The kids appear happy with everyone there. While some may be turned off by the location being right next to the railway line, the kids do not seem to mind – and indeed my son loves it when the train comes. My kids tell us they have had a good day when we collect them, indeed in the past week they are increasingly resistant to leaving. Read more