Nursery- when "should" babies go?

[LittleOne76]

We're from overseas so the system is quite different to the set up at home (Asia). DS is 12mo and will be with a nanny when I go back to work and I wondered when do kids normally go to nursery here. For example... When kids turn 2 or 3 and have been with a nanny since an infant would they go to nursery x days per week with the nanny taking them and nanny do non nursery days? Just wondering what the norm is here. I understand that it might ultimately be our choice but I wanted to see what most people usually do. I'm thinking about this now given waiting lists at nurseries etc. thanks!

Normally they can go part time to nursery from the term after they are 3. But don't have to.go till they are 4. my DD will be starting nursery in January. So will be doing either 5 mornings or 5 afternoons (not decided yet) but that's all i.know

Formal education starts the September following the child's 4th birthday.
Before that, it's entirely up to you what you do, but the government allows 15 hours free per child during term time - you can choose to take this in a school or private nursery setting, depending on preference and availability.

My kids have been at nursery since they were 11 months old. The place they go to is private, but from age 2, it is run like a school setting as it is located in an old primary school. The lady who owns it is a trained primary school teacher, so one of the principles she holds is that she wants to fully prepare all the children for school life, so they hit the ground running when they go to 'real' school. She cited an example from when she was a teacher and found that many of the children starting school for the first time, who had not attended a structured nursery or preschool, could not even do simple things hang their own coats up, line up in an orderly fashion or sit quietly for storytime - she found this quite sad because it was difficult for the kids to adapt.

In that light, I don't think there is a 'norm' in this country really! Just got to do what you think is best for your situation.

*but the government allows 15 hours free per child during term time - when your child is 3 years old....