Ds will be two over the summer and if I want him to go to our local playgroup, I need to put his name down soon. Thing is, I don't know whether to send him or not because

a)he's only happy being left with Daddy, granny, papa and a few choice friends if I'm not around

b)It's quite expensive on our tight budget

c)I'd have to take my turn and other peoples' kids...

It is really only a) that is of any concern tbh.
What did you do?

You have to take ypur turn? what do you mean ive never heard of that i just dropped dd off and picked her up

in some circumstances you can get you money back at the end of the term (such as working tax credit)

I think they learn a lot more in the way of social skills at a play group because they are around children of the same age

and they get used to being left before they go to school so school is less stressful for them my dd just went straight in and never cried

Don't you get vouchers to cover the cost of sessions at some point? Can't remember what age.

We got asked to take a turn helping out once a month or so when dd1 was little, it's not that bad, honest.

term after 3rd birthday if they are doing at least 12 hours. Dont know if it covers playgroup I always had to pay might have changed now though

Ive never known that dds was overstaffed if anything. Did have to help on trips though because the ratios are diffrent when you are out

my play group was about £4 or £5 for a 2.45 hour session.i sent him two mornings.
i sent him because:
1) it was attached to the school, so he would be going on to the school with lots of familiar children.
2) it was brilliant for his social life/skills
3) he was interacting with other people other than family or close friends.
4)i got tons done in those 2.45 mins
5) i dont have any one to take him off my hands for a short break.
6) my sanity depended on that short break twice a week.
7)in the long run, it has benefitted us both.
8)they do loads of stuff that i wouldnt necissarily do with him.ie very messy play, model making,
9)they have millions of toys that we dont have..its a treasure trove for them

i would recommend it 200%

play group costs covered after 3rd birthday btw

I thought it was the term after birthday so if its an october birthday they would start in january?

Ive just realised as well the reason it didnt cover dds was she only did 6 hours and you need to do at least 12

I think it's a good thing to do if you feel DS is ready. Ours doesn't take children until they are 2.5 and my girls are still not hugely keen a few months on. But I do feel it's good for them, we both work and are limited with the playgroups we can go to and they are interacting with other kids. They will also know them all when they start school which must be a bonus. Cost wise ours is only £4 per child per session - which seems pretty reasonable for a whole morning...

I have to do one or two sessions helping per term which is nothing really and is nice to see your kids interacting with others. I was so tearfully proud when one of my girls volunteered the answer to a question at story time last week .

By not hugely keen, I wouldn't keep sending them if they were miserable. According to the staff they are fine, happily play and join in things are just amongst the quieter kids - but no tears or asking for me..

Could you do some trial sessions?

I think he is very young for playgroup. Aren't they usually for over three's?

over two and a half

normaly over subscribed so there is a waiting list

thanks for the input. Yes, I do feel perhaps he is a bit young. Might just send him for the last term whan he will be 2.5.