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AIBU?

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Original poster

How many days would you send your child to preschool?

33 replies

GreenSpace00 · 02/08/2021 22:01

My daughter is 3 and gets 30 funded hours. I am due to be on maternity leave from September and she has a place in a local term time nursery which ones 9-3.

How many days would you send her?

OP posts:
Original poster
GreenSpace00 · 02/08/2021 22:01

Opens 9-3 - that is supposed to say!!

OP posts:
Buckleyourseatbelt · 02/08/2021 22:02

Three.

Oblomov21 · 02/08/2021 22:03

3

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 02/08/2021 22:03

I wouldn’t, perhaps one if withdrawing her for maternity would mean loss of the place.

RaginaPhalange · 02/08/2021 22:05

The full 30 hrs, I'm on mat leave and send my ds in for his full hours. I only keep him off if we decide to do something for the day. I would rather he was able to spend time with his friends, he also gets more out of being at nursery as I can't set up much for him to do.

Passthewinebottle · 02/08/2021 22:06

I put DC1 in for two days when I was pregnant with #2. Gave me a break, & her & I had time to do things like shopping without her. Or sometimes just eat hot cross buns & nap.

recreationalcalpol · 02/08/2021 22:07

Mine goes 5 days - there’s no option to do fewer as it’s a school and they are following their planned curriculum.

Hankunamatata · 02/08/2021 22:07

Mine went to preschool for 2 1/2 and he went 9 to 12.

BendingSpoons · 02/08/2021 22:09

We chose to send DD for 5 mornings, but we could only choose 5 half days or 5 full days. She still napped and 3 hours a day was plenty for her. Everyone seemed surprised we didn't use the 30 hours. When do you return to work? Do you need to reserve her space if you need more days later?

LoveMyBlanket · 02/08/2021 22:12

If she is going to be starting school in Sep 2022 then I would do at least 3 days - I think the pre school year is really valuable to get them used to the routine of something like school but without the pressure of having to go all day every day.

BichonFrizz · 02/08/2021 22:13

The full 30 hours they're entitled to.

Undersnatch · 02/08/2021 22:16

I am so conflicted about this. I work part time so don’t need my daughter in 5 days. My instinct is that 5 days 9-3 is too much, my first DD did 5 half days, and DD2 has never had childcare before apart from family and 1 day childminder. However I am knackered and really could do with some breaks. Maybe it isn’t that bad. I can’t decide what to do but need to by sept!

Original poster
GreenSpace00 · 02/08/2021 22:28

She’s been going to a private day nursery since she was 6mo for 4 days 8-6 so is used to the environment etc.

I don’t need to keep the space open as I will be off on maternity until she starts school sept 2022.

OP posts:
User135792468 · 02/08/2021 22:31

3 days

Hissysnake · 02/08/2021 22:36

Honestly, as long as she can go without you having to pay.

We got 15 hours funded from two and I sent my DC in the full amount even though I was at home in the day and "didn't need" childcare. I wanted the time for myself (I worked evenings) and it was good for the kids to be in a different environment, with other kids etc.

hibbledibble · 02/08/2021 22:41

4/5 days a week. If a preschool or school nursery class, then they would expect attendance for the majority of the hours.

eightyfourandahalf · 02/08/2021 22:45

one day is to unsettling for the children.

3 days until January, then I would probably up to 4 days and stick to 4 days until she starts school.

It makes a world of difference to have a day off mid-week, they are less tired and you can spend time together (not that you won't, if she finishes at 3! Best of all world, chores are done while she at school)

Bunnycat101 · 02/08/2021 22:46

I’d do 3 or 4 days in those circs. I think nursery is so beneficial for 3 year olds I’d definitely be making use of it. It is pretty rubbish for them being stuck at home while you master life with a newborn. But it is nice to make use of having her at home while you’re around to have fun days out etc so I wouldn’t want full time even if you’re entitled to the hours.

OwlBasket · 02/08/2021 22:49

Considering she’s used to 4 days nursery 4 full days would seem like the minimum. I think 5 would be better.

Fortyfivepotholes · 02/08/2021 22:50

I’d do three days, and possibly another morning in preparation for school.

She doesn’t have to go in every day you’ve got her booked in, but if the hours are funded it will be great prep for school and give you time for 1:1 with the baby.

Countthosestitches · 02/08/2021 23:02

5 days personally. They get all the school holidays and you get some time with the baby and to relax knowing she’s well cared for and being entertained. My DD came along very well at preschool in terms of learning and social skills.

Limitedhelp · 02/08/2021 23:10

Book her in for the 5 days if you have the 30 free hours

Then occasionally you can take her out on the odd day.

eightyfourandahalf · 02/08/2021 23:12

5 days when you don't desperately need them to work to pay the bills is A LOT for a 3 year old...

MeadowHay · 02/08/2021 23:13

This is similar to my situation but my DD currently attends a private day nursery 8-6 3 days a week. From September she gets the 30hrs funding and I will be on mat leave. I'm taking her down to 2 days a week then, mostly for financial reasons because the hours are stretched over the full days and year round for us so it was a significant additional financial burden to have more than 2 days and I only get SMP. Also thinking though hopefully it will be nice to spend some more time with her as I've been working 4 days a week since she was 9 months old.

LaLaLouella · 02/08/2021 23:15

3 days - then she's home the majority of the time but you get some time alone with the newborn and she gets the benefit of nursery.