Nursery has minimum of 3 half days a week

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My son is already in nursery for two half days a week but we aren't completely happy with the nursery he is in.

I've contacted two nurseries about availability. One nursery got back to me and said they have a minimum of 3 half days a week or 2 full days.

Is that allowed 😂 I understand maybe not allowing just a half day session in one week for settling in and things but a minimum of 3 I thinks a bit much!

What do you mean is that allowed? It's up to the nursery. Find another one that allows fewer sessions.

Of course nurseries can set their own terms, you are actually quite lucky, around my way none do half days, and most have minimum of two days, and some three days.

It is allowed I’m afraid. It makes better business sense as they will need to do similar amounts of paperwork whether a child goes for 5 full days a week or a couple of sessions, it’s why full time places are often discounted. In one full time space you could have one child or five part timers - with five times the invoicing, observations, record keeping etc

Some nurseries and childminders only offer full days, or only take full timers.

Ours has a minimum of 3 (full) days

Of course it’s allowed, they can set whatever terms they like, it’s up to you whether you want to accept them or look for somewhere else.

How can it be or not be allowed? If the nursery thinks that is best for the children they can set that as their policy.

FWIW, I used a nursery that had that policy, 3 half days. So mine did 1 full day and 1 half day which was fine.

Of course it’s allowed. The more part time kids they have the harder it is to jigsaw together those scraps of time to fill the place which is necessary financially. Our nursery doesn’t do half days and is three days a week minimum. Like any business they can set their terms and it’s up to you if you use them or go elsewhere.

Of course it’s allowed. Why wouldn’t it be?

@Brownavocado

Ours has a minimum of 3 (full) days

Same. And you also either need to have M or F in the nursery.

The more children, the more admin; plus children generally settle better if they are in for more than two sessions. Makes business sense, makes sense for the children and even if it didn't they are a business and could choose to do it.

Why wouldn't it be allowed?

Nurseries are businesses. Businesses which have been pushed further and further while our darling government makes much of their generosity in offering 'free' hours.

Am I being political? Whoops.

How can it be or not be allowed? If the nursery thinks that is best for the children they can set that as their policy.
I think its more about whats best for the staff/business rather than the children, as what is best for one child will be different to another.
The staff can only have a certain number of key children - they have to do paperwork for each of them. So its better to have fewer children on the books than more basically.