Full or part-time nursery?

[Champersonice]

Wasn't sure if I should put this here or in 'going back to work', so have posted in both.

My DD goes to a private (read, expensive!!) nursery. DD currently does three days a week, which is double the cost of a full-time place at the new nursery! I am applying for a place but this is my concern/problem. She is only three and I am not sure that I could put her in full-time (as it is within a school, the hours would be 9-3.30). I know lots of parents do this but just want some advice/reassurance. Is she too young to be in nursery 9-3.30 five days a week??

Is she just 3 or nearly 4? I think that makes a great deal of difference.

I don't think 3 is too young, at 3 children go through an amazing developmental process, and thrive in good nursery environments.

5 days going from 9 - 3.30 is probably easier on a child than 3 days going from 9 - 6 (as a lot of private nurseries do).

I personally didn't want to put my DS into nursery full time, I figured school was early enough. But I didn't NEED those hours.

It sounds as if you don't need 5 days a week, but do need at least 3. Would having the 2 extra days child free leave you with time to get things done at home?

It's also ok to choose the option that you instinctively want for yourself!

Here's the thing:
At her current private nursery, I could put her in any hours I wish but it is doubly expensive and come September, she will be one of the oldest. DD thinks she is going to school in September with the older ones and she really loves older company and not so keen on the younger ones. In answer to your question, DD will be three and three quarters in September.

The new nursery is within a school, hence the school hours. She could do x5 morning or afternoon sessions. My work are pretty flexible but this still wouldn't give me my current hours. Therefore, full-time would which means I could still work three days but then she is in for two more days than needed. Don't like!

At 3 and 3/4 she is more than old enough for 5 days I would have thought. A lot of children (including my DS2) will be JUST 4 when they start school full time.

Have you thought of mixing up your options?

You could choose either 5 mornings or afternoons, and then have a CM for 3 afternoons/mornings to make it 3 full time days (CM would pick up/drop off at the school). Then you would have 2 half days where she is at nursery and you get things done for yourself and the other half day you get to spend with her.

If you could find a CM to do that it could be a really good options for you.

Thanks, that is a good idea but I don't know why but I am really against CM for my DD. No reason or experience, just my own feeling.

I actaully think I can put her in for her free 15 hours and then pay for extra sessions. So, I might do that.

Thanks - you have just given me food for thought!

nb have you thought about what you wil do over school holidays?

Oh gosh, don't mention the holidays! And inset days, and voting days and so on and so on!!

I have thought about that (I have had to!) and the only way around it is either to get a CM or school holiday club...something like that. Not too keen on a CM for no other reason than my gut feeling saying "no".