Told we would get mornings offered afternoons

[Losgunna]

So DS has recently turned three and dp and I decided that we would take up his 15 hours free nursery at the preschool attached to the primary school we want him to go to. He already does two afternoons in nursery but we thought it will be easier on him to move now than to go from nursery to reception later on.

The two afternoons a week works well as DS gets to socialise but also gets to have nice little days out with me and the odd rest day if he's tired.

Originally I had hoped that he could do three five hour days in preschool so that be could get used to the longer days and I could return to work more easily. I'm a sahm because childcare would wipe out any wages I would earn. Mil currently pays for his two afternoons in nursery as we can't afford it otherwise. The school however only do three five-hour morning or afternoon sessions.

I spoke to them in the hopes that he would get mornings and stated that as the preference on his application. Went to visit and was told that the current intake would go into the morning session so was reasonably happy with the arrangement, thinking that even though it was five days which I didn't want, at least it was only mornings so we would still have the afternoon together.

Now he's been offered a place but only an afternoon one. And it sounds ridiculous but I'm totally bereft. All our lovley little days out are going to have to stop.

I don't drive and public transport here is rubbish so to get to nice things for him takes about an hour each way, half an hour minimum.

I feel like we're just going to be waiting around all morning now for him to go for three hours, going to have to rush lunch etc and I'm sitting here sobbing for all the lovely quiet days I feel we're going to lose as well as all the exciting impromptu afternoons out.

Sorry for the rant, my little boy is growing up too fast!

[Artandco]

He's 3, just because the hours are free, he doesn't actually have to go. Just keep him at home

[franglais1979]

Just had to reply to you quickly as I was in same position this time a year ago. We also had a bust social life and I was worried about how it would effect day to day. In the end it was actually better! We were able to have lazy mornings. I would do my jobs, little one would play. We would get dressed about 10. Then early lunch and pre school. Much less rushed and meant little one was less harassed getting to school. You will get used to it and it's not forever. Miss those times now!

[franglais1979]

Also, the holidays are even nicer because you make the most of those days out!

[Losgunna]

He wakes up really early around six and the morning session doesn't start until 9:20, is a 20 minute walk and finishes at lunch time, it would have been perfect

[Littlefish]

Presumably he will be having 5 terms of his 15 hour funding, and start school in September 2018?

If that's the case, the nursery may well be full in th mornings with children who are due to start school in September 2017.

If it doesn't work for you, just don't take up his funded hours until September 2017. He will still get 3 terms of funding, and you are more likely to get morning sessions as he will be one of the older ones.