Hi Sembawangmummy,
I would like to share my experience before recommending the school in Sembawang.
My daughter born June 2010 was at a neighbourhood school in Woodlands(and with all good intention, I will not mention names of past bad experiences). Registered her there when she was 18months old - November 2011. She was coping reasonably well. Until September/October 2012, I notice a huge change in my daughter's behaviour. She became very reserved and moody and couldnt speak her thoughts and ended up talking in a language that I couldnt understand and always cries alot. This is not her usual self at all. I checked with the principal and she mentioned that her form teacher has resigned and has been replaced with a China teacher who doesnt speak english at all. My daughter is the only indian in her class.
I have nothing against other races or languages as I too want my daughter to be exposed to various languages. However, one day my girl told me that "Lao Se" (Pardon my spelling) beat me. I asked her several times as I couldnt believe my ears. Another incident was my daughter kept having very very very bad nappy rashes. So much so that when she poos in her pampers she will hide and wont tell me. When I ask her.. she mentioned that "Lao Se wash - very pain". Okay mums, I was very patient and did not confront anyone based on my 2 year old's feedback... but how far can I not trust my daughter's words. Together with all this her moody and depressive behaviour.
I had to keep asking/checking the principal who kept on assuring me that it is a nationwide problem that there is always a lack of teacher and the only available ones are from China. It is very sad for me (and Im sure it is a the same for every mother) coz we go to work hoping that our child is in good hands and when we hear that our child is abused severely or not- it still hurts.
Thereafter, I was in search of schools all over Woodlands.. some of the top names mentioned above and there were no vacancies. Then I shifted my focus to Sebawang and after going to various schools to view - I finally settled for a new-set up: "Li'L Einsteins" at 15 Jalan Cherpen, Sembawang Springs Estate.
My daughter was enrolled in Li'l Einsteings Early Learning Centre in December 2012. In one month, as parents, me and my husband were very impressed with the change that our daughter has gone through. A complete change from a moody and depressed child to a vibrant and confident 2.5year old girl. Up to today I have no regrets with the school, the teacher, the environment.
Im not sure if you parents share the same feelings as me. But for me... it doesnt mean that a SUPER expensive school will be a good environment for my daughter. Sometimes a good and school is what a child needs.
So there you go people. Thats my story. Please do feel free to ask me anything re: the school and I will be more than happy to give you my feedback/testimony.
Im a happy parent.!
Cheers mummies.
Jaya