Parents, we hear you. It’s one colossal task to balance out your career and family goals at the same time. While the responsibility of bringing up your kids is on you, childcare centres can work hand-in-hand with you to give your little angels a fulfilling childhood.
The first 7 years are the most crucial to a person’s development
“Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man.” – Aristotle
According to research from Harvard, the initial years of your kid’s lives (basically everyone’s as well) is where his/her brain develops rapidly. In the first year, the cerebellum will cause a child’s brain to double in size.
Over the next few years, parts of the brain, such as the limbic structure and visual cortex, will contribute more than 1 million neural connections each second! In simple terms, whatever your child is exposed to now will contribute to his/her long term memory!
Hence, it’s vital to give your child the best growing up environment he/she needs. I’m sure you want to see them blossom into happy adults who can live their fullest potential, don’t you?
A childcare centre provides the necessary setting for your kids to develop their physical, emotional, intellectual and social capacity.
Tips for choosing the right childcare centre
If you’re reading up to here, you’re probably very interested in jumping right in to sign your kids up at a childcare centre.
Here are some considerations that you may need to factor in your childcare centre quest.
Licenses
I’ll start with the most vital, but pretty apparent criteria; the childcare centre must have an existing childcare license from the regulatory authority, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
The tenure of the license is also a crucial factor. Check with ECDA to find out whether the childcare centre is issued with a 6-months, 12-months or a 2-years license. The latter license is only rewarded to centres which have fulfilled the safety requirements and regulations. A 6 or 12-months licensed centre is either newly opened or needs improvement before being awarded the coveted 2-years license.
If you need extra peace of mind, find out if the centre has a SPARK (Singapore Pre-School Accreditation Framework) accreditation. This certification is an endorsement of the school’s programme quality.
Select a centre that has a similar philosophy to your family’s values
It would be ideal for your kid to grow up with the principles you wish to pass onto them. This can save you lots of energy and effort to teach them over again after an exhausting day of work. Your “teaching” time can be an opportunity to bond and have fun with them instead.
Most importantly, you’ll be pleased to see them carrying on your family’s code of conduct proudly.
If your family is religious, there are also several religious-based childcare centres for your kids.
Don’t just look at their mission statement. Call or walk-in to ask them:
- How does the school handle bullying?
- How does the school handle disciplinary problems?
- How often does the school report your child’s progress to you?
- Will the teacher be staying with them for the entire academic year? Or there is a possibility that they can conveniently hand in their 2-weeks’ notice and disappear for good?
Is the childcare centre near to your home or work?
Convenience is a highly underrated priority here. Driving or commuting through one big detour will add a strain onto your energy and expenses.
Besides, it would be much easier on your shoulders in the case of an emergency.
Childcare curricula and facilities
Well-designed curricula and facilities can help develop your kid’s cognitive and social abilities.
While there are no shortages of good curricula and facilities, you have to ask yourself, are those best for my child? This question boils back to your family values. What is vital to your loved ones? What are the skillsets and mindsets you wish to see in them over the next 5 to 10 years?
There are several childcare centres with interesting niches. For example, St. Joseph’s Home houses Singapore’s first intergenerational playground for kids and the elderly. There are several activities your kids and the elderly can do together, such as music and games. If you want your kids to develop compassion and respect for the elderly, this is one centre you can consider.
Despite having Buddhist viewpoints in its philosophy, My Little Gems Preschool offers a secular curriculum and also accepts non-Buddhist children into their programme. They provide daily mindfulness and meditation classes for kids. Contrary to popular beliefs, meditation is secular as well. Many schools in the west have introduced mindfulness and meditations as part of their curriculum. This introduction has resulted in improvement in behaviours and academic performances for many students. The benefits of meditation have also been recorded in several pieces of university research. According to Stanford University psychologist and author of The Willpower Instinct, Kelly McGonigal, meditation can help to increase grey matter in the prefrontal cortex. With the presence of more grey matter, a person’s ability to have better self-control and discipline also increases.
Knowing what the centre offers isn’t enough. Drop by the school to observe how the teachers execute its curriculum. Observe the teacher’s way of handling the lessons and students. Take note whether the students are happily engaged.
Safety and hygiene
This department doesn’t need further introduction. During your visit, enquire from the principal on the following:
- How does the centre ensure the kids are safely indoors? What security measures have the school implemented to prevent kids from wandering around unsupervised?
- Are the centre’s facilities and toys kid-safe? Do they have sharp edges or features which might jeopardise the child’s safety?
- Does the school implement a handwashing policy before meals?
- How often do the school implement temperature and health checks?
- What’s the cleaning and sanitising frequency of the centre? Do they have a schedule? Does the cleaning extend to sanitisation of the toys and other facilities?
*Please note that the following childcare centres are not ranked in order.
Top Childcare Centres in Singapore
Company | Emilie Preschool |
| About the Centre | Founded by NUS (National University of Singapore) and former NTU (Nanyang Technological University) professors, this centre is perfect for kickstarting your kid’s for the long academic journey ahead. Through research-proven discoveries and learning materials from the US and UK, Japan and Germany, your child will be exposed to quality, holistic education. Other signature programmes include:
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| Pricing | $1488 (Full day) | $1288 (Half day) per month |
| Website | http://emilepreschool.com/wp/ |
| Address | 12 New Industrial Road, #01-02, Singapore 536202 |
| Telephone | +65 6584 3668 |
| Operating Hours | 7.00 AM — 7.00 PM (Mon — Fri) |
| Review | “Our kids go to Emile and it has been a great journey! Love all the books and high quality toys and teaching tools. Teachers are encouraged to cocreate with children and learn together through experiments. The stem program is quite strong and kids love it.” – Mengmeng CUI |
| Review | “My daughter become genius thanks to this kindergarten. Thank you” – Miko Tachibana |
Company | Josiah Montessori Centre |
| About the Centre | Founded upon the principles of Montessori, this centre has evolved its original values to The Josiah Way, which focuses on helping your child discover his/her uniqueness and individuality. The school is designed in a way that kids are able to be independent to do simple tasks safely, thus also encouraging them to develop a sense of responsibility. The teachers provide a superior standard of attention to each and every child so that they can reach their fullest potential. Additionally, through the support of Montessori material, they are also taught to be self-directed learners. Being an independent and resourceful individual isn’t enough. This childcare centre also helps children to develop their Emotional Quotient (EQ) through teaching your kids caring, sharing, respect, patience and empathy for others. Some of their signature programmes include Musical Arts Programme (MAP). |
| Pricing | Click here for contact information of the individual centres to find out more about their pricing details. |
| Website | http://josiah.com.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | +65 63366906 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 63366906 for operating hours of each centre. |
| Client Review | Click here for a list of parent’s testimonials. |
Company | Our Children’s House |
| About the Centre | Our Children’s House has a welcoming environment for your kids to learn and grow. They aim to: S – Scaffold the children to greater heights in their overall development. Their Core Values include: C – Compassion for others. Some of their achievements include:
Some of their signature programmes include:
Additionally, Our Children’s House has also partnered up with Intervention Services for Autism and Developmental Delay (ISADD) and Therapy Together (Speech and Occupational Therapy) to offer a series of Special Inclusive and Integration Programme. These programmes help children to improve their communication and social skills so that they are able to learn well and integrate into the mainstream setting. |
| Pricing | Contact +65 66357668 or +65 93840528 for pricing information. |
| Website | http://www.ourchildrenshouse.com.sg/ |
| Address | 106, Paya Lebar Crescent, Singapore 536186 |
| Telephone |
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| Operating Hours | Contact +65 66357668 or +65 93840528 for operating hours. |
| Review 1 | “Our Children’s House is truly an enriching and warm school for the kids! All the teachers have been so patient, caring and loving to my boys which help them to settle so well and providing a family-like environment. Special thanks to Teacher Dora who has always been so assuring and engaging to my kids! Thumbs up!!” – Jane Teo |
| Review 2 | “Its truly been a delight and I’m feeling very emotional having my daughter leave you guys. Lots of luck to Our Children’s House and if we return back to Singapore we will definitely come back to OCH. Really appreciate everyone’s love especially teachers, their love and support helped my daughter in starting her school journey.” – Pianca Jain Rajpurohit |
Company | Alphabet Playhouse |
| About the Centre | For over 20 years, Alphabet Playhouse has created a haven for kids, also referred to as “Young Explorers”, to go beyond book learning and develop their potential in fun and engaging ways. Signature programmes include:
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| Pricing | Contact +65 6653 5618 for pricing information |
| Website | https://www.alphabetplayhouse.com.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | +65 6653 5618 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 6653 5618 for operating hours. |
| Reviews | Click here for a list of parent’s testimonials. |
Company | Mahota Preschool |
| About the Centre | For over 20 years, Mahota Preschool is a first of its kind, pioneering a nature-based curriculum for kids. Through its curriculum, the school aims to develop your child to be eco-consciousness and eco-literate. It offers niche programmes such as farming, cooking, as well as nature walks. Being a health and wellness conscious school, Mahota also offers daily health checkups upon arrival, exercise sessions, and healthy organic meals. Besides its eco-themed curriculum, the school also offers programmes to develop your child physically, mentally and emotionally. One such example is the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme. Through hands-on learning, your kids will develop a passion for learning such subjects. |
| Pricing | $1,800 (full day) per month |
| Website | http://mahotaeducation.sg/ |
| Address | Blk 808 French Road #03-01, Kitchener Complex, Singapore 200808 |
| Telephone | +65 62911915 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 62911915 for operating hours. |
| Review | “Very nice, attentive Teachers. I particularly like their weekly nature walks/ field trips. I highly recommend Mahota. My 2-year-old loves going to school.” |
Company | Pat’s Schoolhouse |
| About the Centre | A household name in the realm of childcare, Pat’s Schoolhouse aims to develop kids to be bold, vivacious and inspiring individuals. Some of their signature programmes include:
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| Pricing | $1,979.50 (full day) per month |
| Website | https://patschoolhouse.com/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations |
| Telephone | +65 67812288 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 67812288 for operating hours |
| Review 1 | “The 30th year music fest was really well organised. Besides the myriad of activities, I appreciate the care and warmth of all the pats teachers that was evident at every stage. From the teacher at the gift redemption booth who guided my little one through a man-made maze game to pick her prize to the Super enthused ones cheering her on to make music using crockery. I like how the Teachers at Pat’s schoolhouse focus on stretching the kids. It’s never about what they know, it’s allowing them to discover what they don’t. Well done!” |
| Review 2 | “I love how the class size is just the right size that the teachers are able to cater well to each and every student. Firstly, the teachers are really patient, nice and understanding. I have not heard any negative comments about any of the teachers and the students really love them all. And the curriculum suits my 5-year-old needs. They value academics as much as extracurricular works so there is a perfect balance of studies and play. I feel secured and at peace every time I bring my son there because I know that he is not only learning and having fun but also looked after well.” – Esther |
Company | Cherie Hearts |
| About the Centre | Inspired by the New London Group academic theory of “Pedagogy of Multi-Literacies” which addresses literacy in a wide variety of topics, Cherie Hearts’ SPIRAL curriculum helps children to be more holistically developed so that they are ready for the ever-evolving world around them. The SPIRAL Literacies programmes include:
Additionally, Cherie Hearts has also won numerous awards, including the “Healthy Eating in Childcare Centres Award”, presented by the Ministry of Health’s Health Promotion Board. |
| Pricing | Contact +65 66974357 for pricing information |
| Website | https://www.cheriehearts.com.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations |
| Telephone | +65 66974357 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 66974357 for operating hours |
| Review 1 | “My daughter is in Cherie Hearts, Grange road. In my opinion, they have good teachers and branch directors. Nice place and environment for my ger to study. She loves it there. This is by far the 3rd school she has attended and I can see vast improvement in her language and behaviour too.” |
| Review 2 | “Dedicated team of teachers with the very hands-on director of the school.” – Wendy |
Company | Kiddiewinkie Schoolhouse |
| About the Centre | Since opening its door in 2003, Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse has been providing an inquiry-based approach towards early childhood education, with a focus on experimental learning through outdoor play. Its curriculum is based on the 3 principles of constructivism, ecological systems theory and neuroscience. Some of their programmes include:
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| Pricing | Contact +65 64633465 for pricing information |
| Website | https://www.kiddiwinkie.com.sg/ |
| Address | Visit their website for a list of locations |
| Telephone | +65 64633465 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 64633465 for operating hours |
| Client Review | Visit their website for a list of parent’s testimonials |
Company | White Lodge |
| About the Centre | A multi-national setting awaits your child in this cosy centre. The spaces are arranged to accommodate the movement of children, hence encouraging a play-centric learning. Some of the centre’s facilities include:
Inspired by the theories of High Scope, Reggio Emilia and Howard Gardner, its holistic programmes include:
*Updated on May 2020. White Lodge students may receive direct admission to Invictus International School. Terms and conditions may apply. Check with the school directly for more information. |
| Pricing |
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| Website | https://whitelodge.edu.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations |
| Telephone | +65 62554230 |
| Operating Hours | 7 am – 7 pm |
| Client Reviews | Click here for a list of parent’s testimonials |
Company | Carpe Diem |
| About the Centre | Since 2002, Carpe Diem has been providing children with a positive environment, where they learn to embrace life with zest and enthusiasm. Their signature Multiple Intelligence-Based Learning environments include:
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| Pricing | Click here for a list of contact details to enquire on pricing |
| Website | https://carpediem.com.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations |
| Telephone | Click here for the contact numbers of each individual location |
| Operating Hours | Click here to contact them for their opening hours |
| Review | “The school has a huge garden on its own whereby the kids can run freely during their daily outdoor play as well as water play and sand play. they are also able to get closer to nature by planting own flowers and watch them bloom! Teachers are all very nice and patient to the kids.. what I like most is for the years my kid is there, Teachers are still the same except for 1 or 2 who resigned.” – Ellyn |
Company | Maple Bear |
| About the Centre | With 447 schools worldwide, Maple Bear’s curriculum is based on the intensive research done by The University of Winnipeg. This rigorous Canadian education is refined with local sensibilities under the directions of childcare education expert, Mrs Patricia Koh, founder of Pat’s Schoolhouse. Hence, children are able to exercise their creativity and independence in a safe space. Additionally, Maple Bear’s signature Bilingual Immersion Methodology encourages children to speak, read and write in both English and Chinese in a progressive manner. Maple Bear was awarded the “Best in Early Years Education Programme” in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 consecutively. |
| Pricing | Contact them directly for pricing details through this link. |
| Website | https://www.maplebear.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | Click here for the contact number of each individual location. |
| Operating Hours | Click here to contact them for their operating hours. |
| Review 1 | “I would like to recommend Maple bear Kovan. it is a new branch and the MD n principal and teachers are all very nice n warm. so far so good. the curriculum is good too.” |
| Review 2 | “Very good school. My girl enjoys very much.” |
Company | NTUC My First School |
| About the Centre | For over 40 years, the pre-school arm of NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) has been shaping and transforming young lives around Singapore. With over 140 centres around Singapore, this ubiquitous school can be found in many neighbourhoods, making it convenient for people living in the heartlands. Some of its programmes include:
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| Pricing | Contact +65 65097887 for pricing details. |
| Website | https://www.myfirstskool.com/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | +65 65097887 |
| Operating Hours | Click here for operating hours. |
| Client Reviews | Visit their website for a list of parents’ testimonials. |
Company | Lorna Whiston |
| About the Centre | Since its inception in 1980, Lorna Whiston has been delivering high-quality education and teaching excellence in Singapore and Malaysia. The school is also renowned for its English Enrichment and Speech & Drama programmes. The teacher-student ratio is small, ensuring that every student is given the maximum attention for their learning. Besides its signature Speech & Drama programmes, Lorna Whiston also offers:
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| Pricing | Contact +65 68718844 for pricing details. |
| Website | https://www.lornawhiston.com/home/PRESCHOOLS |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | +65 68718844 |
| Operating Hours |
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| Review 1 | “The preschool at Winchester has a great environment – lots of classroom outdoor play area -, and wonderful teachers, principal and staff who take care of my child very well. My child learnt a lot at school and overcame many of his fears. The teachers are very encouraging while providing good feedback about the areas that he can work on. In our time here, I found that the school was very professionally run.” |
| Review 2 | “My two kids go to this school from this term and they really love to go to Lorna Whiston. I think because of the atmosphere of class, teachers are very cheerful and do not let them get bored. so we just sign up for next term too without second thought!” |
Company | Mind Champs |
| About the Centre | Mind Champs aims to help students develop a good headstart with academic learning in a conducive and stimulating environment. Its signature S.M.I.L.E.S.™ curriculum is based on the works of leading early child education specialists. Using the 3-Mind Approach, Mind Champs aims to help children integrate the Champion Mind, Creative Mind and Learning Mind to unlock their fullest potential. The centre is divided into 3 different schools, namely, Infant Care, Preschool and Chinese Preschool. |
| Pricing | Contact +65 68282688 for pricing details. |
| Website | https://www.mindchamps.org/preschool/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | +65 68282688 |
| Operating Hours | Contact +65 68282688 for operating hours. |
| Review 1 | “My son looks forward to going to Mind Champs preschool every day. He really enjoys the program because it allows him to use his imagination to learn. I have also seen improvement in terms of his social skills, for example, taking turns – he’s now more patient and will wait for his turn to do things. I also love the clean and safe environment of the preschool and the teachers are very patient and caring.” |
| Review 2 | ” My child attends one of the Mindchamps Preschool. She looks forward to going to school every weekday. I notice that most of the champs are more mature in many aspects generally compared to other children about the same age groups. Most strangers are surprised by my child’s speech and languages, proactive behaviour and friendly attitudes to strangers. She is only N1 but many thought she was N2 age. So I think both parents and teachers are important to guide these children cooperatively and develop them in a better way.” |
Company | Chiltern House |
| About the Centre | Chiltern’s House education philosophy, EduDrama®, includes elements of play and drama, to help kids develop creatively, as well as an appetite for learning. This philosophy also emphasises a need for positive communication and discipline, so that kids can develop good social intelligence and self-confidence. Some of its programmes include:
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| Pricing | Click here to contact the individual centres for pricing details. |
| Website | https://www.chilternhouse.com.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations and contact details. |
| Telephone | Click here for a list of locations and contact details. |
| Operating Hours | Contact the centres directly for operating hours. |
Company | Eton House |
| About the Centre | Another household name in the Early Childhood domain, Eton House employs the Reggio Emilia approach, where children become self-directed learners. This approach helps children to develop the necessary skills and mindsets to flourish in the 21st Century. Eton House has a unique Chinese Language Programme, where children are exposed to a single language environment for extended periods in the day. This helps them to integrate the use of the language into their daily lives, especially when they do not come from Mandarin-speaking families. |
| Pricing | Contact +65 67463333 for pricing details. |
| Website | https://www.etonhouse.com.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations. |
| Telephone | +65 67463333 |
| Operating Hours | Click here to contact the specific locations for their operating hours. |
| Client Reviews | Click here for a list of parents’ testimonials. |
Company | My Little Gems |
| About the Centre | My Little Gems is a childcare centre that aims to develop kids intellectually, morally and socially. Its curriculum is based on the 3 Cs – Character, Concentration and Competency. Each day starts with Mindful Morning sessions to help students develop excellent concentration skills. Some of its programme include:
*The school provides a secular curriculum, though some of its philosophy is based on Buddhist principles. The school also admits non-Buddhist children. |
| Pricing | Contact +65 67487483 for pricing details. |
| Website | https://my-littlegems.com/ |
| Address | 38, Jalan Eunos, Singapore 419500 |
| Operating Hours | 7 am – 1 pm (half-day) 7 am – 7 pm (full-day) |
| Client Reviews | Click here for a list of testimonials from students and parents. |
Company | Iman |
| About the Centre | Since 2002, Iman Kindergarten and Childcare has provided Muslim children with an opportunity to enjoy a researched-backed, holistic education experience. Some of its programmes include:
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| Pricing | Contact +65 62441829 for pricing details. |
| Website | http://www.iman.edu.sg/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations and contact numbers. |
| Telephone | Click here for a list of locations and contact numbers. |
| Operating Hours | Click here for a list of locations and contact numbers. |
| Review | “It’s really nice to see updates of your child’s activity in school.” |
Company | St. Joseph’s Home |
| About the Centre | A childcare centre located right in the heart of a nursing home. Children have plenty of opportunities to engage with the elderly in meaningful activities. Some of its programmes include:
*Despite being a Catholic Welfare Service, this childcare centre accepts infants and children from all races and religions. |
| Pricing |
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| Website | https://www.stjh.org.sg/ |
| Address | 36, Jurong West Street 24, Singapore 648141. |
| Telephone | +65 67619350 |
| Operating Hours | 7 am – 7 pm (Mon – Fri) 7 am – 1 pm (Saturdays) |
Company | Tots & Teddies |
| About the Centre | Located in the midst of the bustling Central Business District, Tots & Teddies is an excellent choice for parents working around the vicinity. Tots & Teddies has partnered with the award-winning Lekker Architects to design and custom build the centre. This is to ensure that the layout, such its semi-open classroom concept facilitates the interaction between children of different age groups. The centre also takes special care in creating a safe and healthy environment for children to learn. The class sizes are small so that teachers can provide sufficient attention to each child’s learning and character development. |
| Pricing | • Childcare: $2268 after basic subsidy and GST ($2400 before subsidy and GST) • Infant Care: $2289 after basic subsidy and GST ($2700 before subsidy and GST) |
| Website | https://tots-and-teddies.com/ |
| Address | 62 Cecil Street, #04-00 TPI Building, Singapore 049710 |
| Telephone | +65 8160001 |
| Operating Hours | 7 am – 7 pm |
| Review 1 | “One of the best childcare that we have come across so far. Super good and clean environment. Thumbs up to all the staffs and teachers for the dedication.” |
| Review 2 | “When my son was two, we decide to transfer him from Japanese school to English speaking school. I called, visited almost all of the school in Singapore actually. And tots and teddies was totally different from others. They give us the best impression. When I step in to this school for the first time, I straight away feel that I wants to enrol my son here! I can feel that tots and teddies really cares about all the kids, they wants to offer a good environment to the kids. In every details I can see there is a caring, even in the soup they use for kids hand wash! There is a chef who always cook healthy and delicious food and snacks which my son loves it. The classes room, kitchen, toilet for kids are all really well designed and looks really comfortable. I’m sure will make my son happy going to this school everyday! The classes, they teach my son many things and do not just teach in a boarding way but they make sure the kids will be excited! My son have no intention that he is learning. He thought that he is playing but actually he is learning very high advance lesson. Now the lesson is about solar system and he could say all of the planets name in order and give me the information and details of each planet and it really amazed me, he is still 5 years old!! We are very lucky to find this school and truly appreciate all of the staff in tots and teddies. I have no confidence to find better school than here.” |
| Review 3 | “Totally no complaints about the school. Thank you, Oliver, for setting up the school and to all the staff for running it the way parents would want it to be. Active engagement of parents, transparent communication, superbly delicious and healthy food, receptive to feedback, a very warm and family-like environment. Many happy memories for us :)” |
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