Which two days to our three year old in nursery?

[Ladybirdsp]

Im a SAHM, looking to put DD into nursery for two morning sessions, which would you choose please?

How old is she? Just 2 mornings a week isn’t very much and might be harder for her to settle as she won’t be there long enough to get used to the routines and people. I’d do at least 2 whole days together, or at least 3-4 mornings if you want to do a half day

Have you checked the policy? Ours has a min of 2 full days as they say children don’t settle and it just means when they come back the next week, it’s like getting them used to the setting all over again. If you’re going to do it, I’d do them consecutively so at least settle on day 1 ready to go back for day 2

We did five half days with DS on the nursery’s recommendation to help him settle and DS hated nursery, used to drag him kicking and screaming to it. It was the nicest nursery in the area so I think it was just too much for him. This time I only want DD to do mornings, I wouldn’t do it all to be honest if it wasn’t for thinking that DD needs a nursery experience before school. We go to toddler groups every day so she gets loads of social interaction, she’s 21 months at the moment so Im thinking ahead for when she turns three, and as we are far ahead hoping I’ll get the morning sessions we want. Called one nursery already that is happy for us to to do just two morning sessions.

Not Mondays if they're shut on bank holidays and you still have to pay

The settling time really varies according to the child, and I don't think toddler groups are an accurate comparator/indicator.

She might thrive where your son didn't. Not easy to predict unfortunately.

Are there any other factors in play - toddler groups you'd like to maintain, etc?

As PP said, I'd skip Mondays, and I'd have it as two in a row. Personally I'd go Tuesday/Wed, and if she enjoys it, Thurs too.

Not Mondays as already mentioned because bank holidays you still have to pay.

Otherwise just around your availability, what toddler groups you go to etc. You might find you’re restricted by the nursery’s availability too. I agree that 2 mornings probably isn’t enough. My ds1 started off doing just 1 day a week in nursery and it wasn’t enough for him to settle in really.

I'd suggest not 2 days in a row as it then makes for a long time between nursery sessions.
I agree about not Mondays, so maybe Tuesday/Friday would work well?
Although I imagine the nursery would want some input. They might be happy for you to send your child just for 2 mornings, but I'd be surprised (for example) that they'd let you take up spots if it prevented other children taking up more sessions e.g. if you take a Tuesday and a Friday morning, then another child wanting full time Monday-Thursday might not then have a place.

Yes I was thinking maybe Tuesday and Friday might help as spread out but not sure if consecutive days is better for settling?

I’m surrounded by early years teachers and nursery assistants in my family and friends group.

It’s best to do 2 consecutive days to keep routine and to help settle in. At 3 years old 3 mornings a week would be better but if your heart is set on 2 then make sure they’re consecutive

Our DS will be 2 when starting nursery and ours accepts 2 mornings a week but has told me 3 mornings are more beneficial and they can see a difference in settling in between children who are in for 2 mornings vs 3.

I wouldn't do Mondays or Fridays because of holiday weekends.

Tuesday and Thursday would be my choice.

That's interesting because I've heard the opposite - that with 5 consecutive days "off" the child has to almost resettle into nursery every week as they've "forgotten" it.

Really, this just goes to show that you have to take opinions with a grain of salt!

If you're waiting until three, are there any preschools near you maybe even attached to a school, I find they're more willing to take shorter hours

Our local nurseries have a higher day fee Tues-Thurs, presumably because parents try to duck out of paying bank holiday Mondays.

Less children on a Monday/Friday would be a bonus for me.

Two full days or three mornings would be good I think.

I think a local preschool would work well if there’s any in the OP’s area.

Thank you all

We looked at a local preschool today and they were very flexible saying we could do any session and amount we want which was lovely.

They also run a toddler group so we might go to that to get used to the place