DD is 3.5 and started nursery in September, Mon-Weds 9-3. On the Thursday she goes to my sister and spends the day with her and her twin toddlers.
I pay my sister £120 for that day and my DD enjoys going.
However, she also really enjoys nursery and I can see that she is benefiting a lot in terms of social and personal development.
I am entitled to 15 free hours so my nursery cost is significantly lower and money is a consideration.
On the one hand I think my DD is so little and I don't want to push her into school type care before she's ready.
On the other hand I don't know how much she is getting from spending the day with my sister and non verbal toddlers. Often when I pick her up she's a bit fed up with the babies.
When she wakes in the morning she asks if it's a nursery day and often says she doesn't want to go. But she also says that she likes nursery and misses it on her day off. And she is always very happy at pick up and says she enjoyed her day.
Another consideration is that I think my sister will be a bit fed up if I end our arrangement which she enjoys and financially benefits from.
But DD only has 8 months of nursery time left before school and as it's such a lovely nursery and she's coming on so well I wonder if I should maximise her time there.
She's v social and loves having friends.
But also loves her auntie and enjoys a 'no pressure' day
Friday, Sat and Sunday she is with me.
Any advice?