One of the most wonderful and anticipated benefits of enrolling a child at nursery is the time you spend with her on the journey there and back. I love the fact that at Children’s Oasis, this commute’ is done by parents and children on foot, by bicycle, and jogging stroller, in addition to by car – even the parking lot is an engaging place in its own right!

On her nursery days, Lily and I spend the 10-minute drive to Children’s Oasis earnestly discussing what activities she might undertake that day – is there an upcoming holiday around which to create some artwork? Might her teachers read her favourite book aloud? Which friends is she hoping to see? Will someone come to play a guitar? Just the simple act of driving her to school – undertaken by so many other parents – has become a significant time for us to have a chat and cultivate a positive attitude toward our respective day ahead.

The drive home from Children’s Oasis is usually even more eventful. There are works of art, stamps on her hand, a new stickers to be discussed and admired. Lily regales me with tales of the sandpit and climbing frame, of the opportunity to be her teacher’s helper that morning, and occasionally even serenades me with songs she’s learned that day. When I collect her from nursery, I can tell  from her tired but happy face that she’s been doing things during the last few hours that are meaningful to and enjoyable for her, which is the most important endorsement of her time at Children’s Oasis.

                                                                                           By : Eileen Wallis