There is no set age to send your child to nursery school in the UK. Some send their babies as soon as they’re ready to go back to work while others wait till their child’s 3 or 4 and have access to 570 free hours of childcare a year. To help you decide whether your child is ready for nursery, we have shared some guidance from a day nursery in Kew below.
1 and Under
Since there’s been a rise in the number of parents sending children 1 and under to nursery, a study was carried out to see the effects that it’s had on those children. It found that those children had greater stress levels from being away from their mother so early on and still showed signs for up to a year after. That’s not to say that it’s a bad idea. Other research suggests that by sending your baby to nursery, they will have greater social skills when they grow up whereas those that stay at home have poorer speech.
2 Years of Age
It is believed that this is the best age to send your child to nursery as they become curious about the world around them and want to learn. They are also more independent at this stage and want to socialise.
3 to 4 Years of Age
This is when all children in the UK are eligible for 570 hours of free childcare a year and the most disadvantaged can access approximately 20 hours per week. As a result, this is the age when many children start nursery school. While some do so for financial reasons, others like to send their children at this stage to ensure that they are ready for the step.
To decide when’s the best time for your child, it’s important to consider where they are in their development and your current circumstances. There’s no hard and fast rule, just what works for you.
Read more education posts here: https://www.evans-crittens.com/?s=education
Financial help is sometimes available for parents with children in nursery. Are you eligible for the childcare offer in Wales?
