Schools in Bellville/Parow/Durbanville?

Hi there

I just want to make you all aware of a creche NOT to take your kids to - name edited by Admin.

The crèche has been taken over by new owners (as of 01 December 2012) who have virtually no experience in childcare apart from the one woman (Katherine) who has a mere 4 years at a crèche. I called the crèche she worked for and they refused to give me a reference for her. I was not impressed at the parent’s evening where we got to meet them and hear about what they plan for the crèche, so I gave my month’s notice at the end of November. It is their plan to have far, far more children attend the crèche than what the size of the property allows and the amount of staff they have. They are even planning to have aftercare for school going kids in the flatlet situated on the property where the one teacher lives with her family. So there will be school going kids on the same little yard as babies and toddlers. Not to mention the fact that they will be accommodated in this woman’s flat. All whilst charging R2100 per month per child to attend the creche.

This week was meant to be my children’s last week. When I arrived on Monday I was told they are painting the inside this week, which meant there was no furniture inside apart from the front class room which literally bakes in the sun all day long (my daughter has been at this crèche for 3 years so I know this for a fact) – and as you know it was 33 degrees on Monday. All the staff were on leave already so she had a complete stranger (who she referred to as a “friend”) help her during the day. I was told that Tania (the other partner) would also be there in the day. Upon asking I was told my son and daughter would be sleeping in her flat at naptime - as in, where her husband (whom I don’t know at all) and own children would be (they’re already on holiday and thus home). When I voiced my concern about this (her children are much, much older than crèche going kids therefore her flat would obviously not be baby proof – my son is only 18 months old) she got very aggressive and told me to not come back then. I immediately made other arrangements for the week so as to not have to send my children back. That same day as I got home I noticed a burn mark on my son’s wrist. I have attached a photo. The size and area of the burn makes it obvious that someone smoked while holding him or smoked near him and he bumped into the cigarette.

On top of all of the above I have also confirmed the crèche isn’t a registered crèche either.

We went to look at Bambino Creche in Brackenfell yesterday and it is very nice. Their fees are very reasonable. Our LG will be 2.5 in January and their basis for education is the Bible. They have a website address : www.bambinocreche.co.za

You can also try Children's World in Durbanville, but I think they are mainly english.

Good luck.

Hi ladies, I am looking for a school (pref afrikaans) for my LB who will be 3 in January. I am looking to send him only 2 or 3 days a week. Any suggestions. I love Montessori, but cannot afford the high fees. The most important aspect for me however is the teachers, I am looking for a loving, caring teacher who loves the Lord and will carry that over to my son.

Any suggestions at all?