to be totally and utterly confused about '15 hours free' nursery for 3 year old?

[wonderingifiam2013]

on a few levels!

1 - if I don't 'need' to send DC ... should I? (interacting with other children/give me time with new baby when it arrives/is it the done thing if I'm lucky enough to have family support etc ?)

2 - Am I being PFB not sending DC to nursery until it's the pre-school one?

3 - Is it a good thing as will be mixing with children who DC will eventually go to school with (local nursery)

4 - DC born in September, therefore will DC be 'ready' at 3 before going to onsite primary school nursery at 4/5?

5 - Am I beating myself up by thinking I should do all (except for when I'm at work part-time) the childcare myself?

Would love to hear your views/experiences please

I don't think of it as childcare, i think of it as education - it's for your child's benefit (although you getting a break is a bonus!)

I think it is nice to have some one on one time with the baby. I've found shortish sessions agree with DS1 rather than long days. He has fun and is enthusiastic about going.

My local preschool have an ante pre school intake which you can start (if there's space) when your three. DS'll have two years there before moving to reception. (Scottish system so we know he's going to that primary etc.) It is nice to know the other kids; most of them will be in a class together for the next nine years.