Mumsnet Talk

We are taking our DS (who is not quite 3) to an assessment for a private nursery that we'd love him to go to. We are told that he will be assessed in play with some other children and then individally. Does anyone know what sort of things they will be doing with him? I can't imagine that it can be too arduous for an under 3 but, given the popularity of the local schools, DH is getting concerned that we should be doing more with DS to "prepare" him (poor mite!).

If any of you reading this live in Dulwich, London, then it is for the nursery of a local prep school and any helpful hints from parents whose DCs have been through this would be much appreciated!

They will be looking for any behavioral issues in the group play and possibly judging his confidence

They will probably talk to him in conjunction with some toys eg let's look at my zoo animals together

Thank you. Yes I think it will be that sort of thing - just wondering if anyone's already done this and has any tips....

Dontl think tips really help at that age , they either cooperate on the day or not. Ability to follow instructions, listen to a story and interact with other kids and adults are most commonly looked at.

That's reassuring thank you.

hi there - I think we just went for the December day for assessments at the school you are looking at and it's hard to say what the kids did. Each child was assigned to a teacher who came to take him/her away and the parents were whisked to the teachers' lounge for coffee. I think they just take the kids for a play session and then some one-on-one time. Ds didn't say much when he was finished, but he is ok with separating and just toddled off and then came back like no big deal. But he has been in preschool class 2x a week this year and has been fine there too.

At this point, if your assessment day is soon, there isn't much you could do to prepare Ds anyway, and you might make him nervous. The best thing you can probably do is get him used to the idea of going there and having a play away from you. I don't remember any tearful separations when we were there, but the teachers know what they are doing and will have the kids off very quickly.

Anyway, try not to stress too much and good luck!

Hi Jesska and thank you. We have the assessment at the school you went to next weekend (and one this afternoon at another school). Yes, I've heard about the taking the child away into another room bit - that's probably the bit I'm most worried about. Should be fine, so will just keep my fingers crossed! Good luck with your DS too!

I'm new to this forum, so maybe my thoughts won't really fit with other mums. I've worked in nurseries as a local authority advisor for several years (I've also got my own children) and I'm concerned about the understanding of staff who would take a child away from it's parents on a first day at nursery. Whilst some children would be fine with this, many would create a real screaming fuss. Nurseries are expected to have a key worker system where every child has a special person attached to them who works closely with parents and helps the child to settle. To assess a child, away from it's parents in this way is really inappropriate and could make the next visit quite traumatic. Does the nursery explain why they want to do this? Do you have any choice? What about children with special needs? I'm really interested in this and not trying to be unhelpful, just worried for these small children and the pressure this puts you under as parents.

Hi MenoPMum, I think you may have misunderstood the thread a little, as I understand it these children are going along for an assesment at a nursery of choice re application, so that the nursery or pre prep can determine if that child would fit in with there school etc. I don't think they are actually starting there first day at nursery.