Would you be happy letting 2.5 yr child go on a nursery day trip?

[madamy]

I have a dilemma. DD2 has just started nursery 1 day a week and so far loves it. She's very confident and chatty and seems to have settled in well.

Next Friday, her nursery class are going on a day trip to a zoo about 1hr drive away. There will be 22 children aged 2.5-3.6 and a ratio of 1 to 3 staff to children. Wrist reins are available (think dd will treat these as some sort of game tho'!).The coach has 3 point harnesses, they will have a packed lunch there and a hot meal on return. The coach leaves at 9 and will be back by 3. She's still in nappies so toilets etc not a problem. There is a full risk assessment in place.

DH has signed her up for the trip and I'm trying hard not to have kittens and be rational about the experience and how much she will enjoy herself.

So, do you think she's too young?

[meemar]

No, I think she will love it!

Try not to worry

[pooka]

I don't think she is too young. However, dd's pre-school only took the children who were older on their annual farm trip. dd was, I think, nearly 4 when she went. She had a lovely time, similar staff ratios and so on. But there is a difference (quite a big one IMO) between a 2.5 year old child and a 3.5 year old child.

[nickytwotimes]

I think it would be fab for her. Yesm you'll spend the day worrying, but it'll be worth it!

[Martha200]

Sounds good to me!

[MrsMattie]

What is she like when she is out with you? I know plenty of children that age who would be absolutely fine. My DS (3 yrs old) is (unfortunately) not one of them. He is a very difficult child to manage near roads and will run off the minute his hand isn't being held. I find it very hard to trust anyone but close relatives who know what he's like, and he would need one-to-one care if he was ever to go out and about with the nursery. Trust your instincts. If she is generally fine and takes instructions well, then why not?

[cupsoftea]

staff ratio is great

[80sMum]

I would have thought that for such young children, an adult:child ratio of at least 1:2 is more appropriate for that type of outing. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

[ShinyDysonHereICome]

They may welcome a parent helper if you think that might help you feel happier about it

[wheresthehamster]

I don't think I'd be happy with 1:3. It means that one child isn't 'attached' to an adult.

[schneebly]

I would let my DS2 go but can't say I wouldn't be a little anxious awaiting his return

[branflake81]

Why ever not? Sounds like a good idea.