Outstanding nursery BUT they only do full time places

[user1493365872]

Hey there. Hoping for opinions. My 3yo has been accepted for a September start at a great local nursery which is attached to a state school. I wanted 4 full days a week but they will only take a child at 5 full days a week or 5 half days a week. We both work so half days aren't an option. I know legally they can't enforce attendance but every time I have broached the subject I get a flat response about the policy and that anything less than 5 days constitutes non-attendance which is noted by the LEA, etc. We are lucky enough not to need childcare 5 days (he's currently on 3 days with a childminder and I'm going back to work 4 days from autumn). I do have another option of a nursery which isn't part of a state school, is much more informal and flexible and offering 4 days, but probably won't keep as close and professional an eye on his development as nursery A (he has a bit of a medical history and ongoing physio needs). Anyone got any advice? I'm flipping constantly between nursery A and B and going a bit nuts. What would you do? Massive thanks.

[Tweetinat]

You don't actually state what you're proposing to do for option A, but if you're thinking of taking a place but then only actually sending him for 4 days instead of 5, then I'm afraid it will definitely get flagged with the LEA. Why do you feel.b won't keep an eye on his development? Because it's not attached to a school or for some other reason. If you absolutely only intend sending him for 4 days, your only option is B realistically.

[QuiteLikely5]

Legally they can't do anything!

Full days - what are they? If it's a state nursery as I'm confused why you don't want him in the extra day - surely it's not 9-5 otherwise tell me where it is as free full time nursery sounds good

[CountryCaterpillar]

I wouldn't do full days in a nursery if you don't need to . The main thing at that age is they have fun, opportunity for a wide variety of play, fine motor skills etc. I think school nurseries sometimes rush them into "big school" too soon, assemblies, teachers etc. I chose a preschool run by experienced preschool workers who had been there for ages (higher staff ratio too.)

It may be different for you but with the added pressure of 5 days full time I'd certainly look for a job school one!

[Goldmandra]

Forget the 'Outstanding' and go with the nursery you believe will meet his medical needs and give him happy, positive experiences of learning through play.

[HSMMaCM]

All nurseries, pre schools and childminders in the U.K. follow the same curriculum. Send him where he'll be happiest. He has years of school ahead of him.

[insancerre]

They can insist he attends full time and if he doesn't then they can withdraw the place
If they claim the full funding and your child doesn't attend for the full seasons then the LEA can ask for their money back which means the nursery will expect you to pay the shortfall
If you don't want to do the sessions they have offered them find a private provider that will offer more flexibility