School nursery for 30 hrs Vs private nursery

[Laura2211]

My DD1 2.5yrs old is currently in a Childminder’s 3 days a week. DS2 is 6 months & I will Be returning to work in 6 months so starting to think about childcare. DD1 will be 3 & very bright so I am thinking about moving her to nursery while DS2 will take the Childminder’s space.
I will be entitled to 30 hrs free childcare & there are good school nurseries near me & I can organise wrap around care. However I am concerned about sending DD1 full time nursery would be too much for her as is in effect like sending her to school a year early!! & I have 2 days a week with her currently which I do like ...if I took a full time school space, do I have to send her on all the days?
I’ve seen a few private nurseries & not overly keen but keen to know others thoughts? Half day school nursery spaces are not an option for me.
Keen to Hear others experiences, organising childcare for 2 is mind boggling!!

I suggest that you identify the school nursery that you would send her to and find out what their offer is. In my area, all the children in school nursery attend 9 - 3 5 days a week for the whole academic year from September. Attending for e.g 3 days wouldn't be an option. I don't think this is necessarily the case everywhere though. My 3yo loved school nursery and benefitted enormously. She has just moved into Reception with the same group of children she was with in Nursery.

Private nurseries and school nurseries all have to abide by the same guidelines. Private nurseries will be more flexible on the sessions they can offer though.