Advice re getting son used to being away from home

[user1484986087]

Hello, I am after some advice please. We have a DS who will be 3 years old in May. Both dh and I are working parents will full time jobs (though I work from home a few times per week) so we have had a nanny since I went back to work following mat leave. I am keen for ds to start preschool in order for him to socialise with other kids his she and become used to a school environment. He has been offered a place at a preschool, with the option of stating either in April or September.
As my son has never spent time away from home or with his caregiver before, I am a bit nervous about him starting preschool and wonder if anyone has any ideas or suggestions re how to prepare him for preschool? I am thinking that I could get him to start preschool in September and arrange for him to go to a day care/nursery facility for say mornings only once he turns 3? Or I could just want until September and maybe chat to his nanny about using crèches drop off classes etc until then? Any ideas please?

[LooseGoose29]

I was a stay at home mum when I mine were little but I sent them for 2 sessions at playgroup for 6 months or so before they started school nursery I think it really helped but ...
To be honest that was to get them used to being away from me - that is the tricky bit not the environment and your DS can already be away from you happily so I don't think he will have a problem. In my experience working in infant schools the only kids that struggle are those that worry nobody will come back for them. Your son already knows you will always come back.

[user1484986087]

Thank you! Assume you left them at drop off playgroups then? I didn’t know such playgroups existed, thought that playgroups were for carers and infants?

[BendingSpoons]

DD went to school nursery at 3.5. Before that she had been at home with me or DH. She had sometimes been looked after by grandparents (which was fine) and we had sometimes left her in a creche at church/gym which she really didn't like.

She settled in amazingly well. They had a stay and play session where we went with her and she decided it was quite fun really!

Personally in your situation I wouldn't worry too much. I would probably aim to only transition him once, so either start the preschool in April, or wait until Sept and just get the nanny to take him to classes, even if she stays. He is already used to separating from you, so he is half way there already.

[LooseGoose29]

Yes drop off playgroup. The ones where you stay were still called mother and toddler group then.

[user1484986087]

Thanks all - really helpful to understand that he will just need to adapt to a new environment rather than being away from me/home. Think I will leave it until September when he is fully potty trained (hopefully!).