No plans for nursery

[NoNamesLeft234678]

Ds is 16 months old and I have no plans to put him in nursery. We're at toddler classes, stay and play, soft play, swimming, the park ect. 5-6 days a week so he is around other children a lot and he is very confident and independent. I am a SAHM and see no reason to put him in childcare before he starts school. His dads grandma is always saying how good nursery is for kids and asks if he'll be starting soon. I studied childcare and have seen some bad things in nurseries and it just isn't what I want for my child. If we have another child it won't be until he is 5 or 6 so he will have all of my time until he starts school.

He goes to gymnastics classes which he loves and they do day camps for a few hours in the holidays from 3 years old. That will probably be the first place I will feel comfortable leaving him as he's been there since he was tiny and does amazing there.

If you are happy with this arrangement then go for it
Mine went to nursery as I kept working in my career

I think you’re doing the right thing. If you’re a sahm and are going to groups etc then that sounds perfect.

my HV is constantly hounding me to send dd to nursery as she has developmental delay and asd but we’ve been doing groups and outings and it’s so much better for her to develop at her pace with her primary caregiver

Ok 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sounds fine (I work in childcare and have my own). I would say from 3 atleast it's definitely helpful for them to have some time away from parents, in a nursery or a pre school as I find it does help when starting school.

I think I might listen to the advice of the HCP

You've posted this twice. I'm not sure what you're asking. If that's what you want then what's the problem?

There’s no need for him to go to nursery at 16 months. However, I would put him in at 3 when you get your free hours. It is invaluable preparation for school and they begin the EYFS curriculum, and if it’s a nursery attached to the primary he’ll attend then he’ll start to make friends and know other children before he goes. My sister is a Reception teacher and her view is definitely that the children who find starting school the easiest are those who have been to nursery.

Erm... Cool? Did Mumsnet ask you about your nursery plans?

@Housenoob exactly my thought 😂

What is the question you're asking OP?
This is just a statement

Up to you 🤷🏼‍♀️

But i would rexommend some nursery/pres school aroun 3/4 to help get them ready for the practicalities of primary school, going from being with you 24/7 to away from you for 6 hours 5 days a week is often a shock to children

I'm not sure what sort of validation you're seeking but most parents don't actually want to put our children into nursery or childcare. Unfortunately the luxery of being able to indefinitely stay at home isn't something we are all blessed with so we just tend to get on with it. Not sure it's really worth the judgmental post if you're so secure in your plans.

Glad your current arrangement is working so well for you. Just keep an open mind. You have a long way to go until he’s eligible for the funded hours, the term after they turn 3, which is as long as he’s currently been alive again so it’s probably hard to imagine him being that big! And things do change. You may decide it’s valuable school prep, or that he needs the socialisation, you just want a break or any combination of the above. Take it as it comes!

I agree. Part time from are 3 would be beneficial but if you are able to be a SAHM for the time bring then enjoy it.

Why are you spamming MN with this? It's nobody's business but your own. Everyone makes their own choices based on their own circumstances.

If you are happy with it and you're aware of the risks, crack on it sounds perfect.

I did the same with our DS and wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. It was brilliant.

My DS is 3 and he goes ti nursery 3 days. He LOVES it.
I would look at your options for when your child is dues to get the 15 hours free, plenty of time to look round preschools and see what suits.

Oh, we did send him to nursery before reception, only for a few hours to get him used to being in that sort of setting.

There is no one size fits all. There are great preschools and there are not-so-great preschools, where the benefits of routines etc wouldnt outweigh the costs. It also depends a lot on the child. One of my children would have bounced happily into school on day 1 even if he'd never been in a nursery or preschool before in his life - that's how he is with everything! A naturally confident, extroverted child that is excited by new experiences. My eldest wouldn't have coped at all, she was much shyer, more introverted and dependent on me. She is also August born. Her preschool was absolutely amazing, she went from 3 for 4 mornings a week and loved all the staff there. She then went to school with firm friends which eased the transition. They even made games out of changing into PE kits in the last few weeks of summer term!

So it's really an assessment to make further down the line, don't get hung up on one path. That's what parenting is like generally! Kids and circumstances change all the time. Just tell grandma that you will decide when he's older!

Also bear in mind that a lot of people don't have this choice. Most mums aren't clamouring to send their toddlers to nursery because they think it will advantage them in some way - they need or want to go to work. I do find some people seem unaware of this and it can feel very judgemental when people come along questioning why they would send their precious baby to be looked after by strangers when he can spend his time at lovely gym and swimming classes instead!

Do what you want