Not sure I'm doing the right thing, re: switching of nurseries

[GeorginaA]

I think this is already decided, but really I'd appreciate a sanity check that I'm doing the right thing and that ds2 will adjust well.

Ds2 currently goes to a local day nursery for 1 day a week and has been since he was around 9 months old. I don't need it for work purposes, it was just something to make life a little easier (could spend time with ds1 and also to give me a break). The plan was always to move him to the same nursery ds1 went to (a sessional term-time only nursery that takes children from 2 years old).

I have no complaints with the current nursery at all. It has a good enough Ofsted, lovely staff who don't seem to change around much and ds2 really really enjoys going.

The new nursery is cheaper, closer (will be able to walk there to drop off and collect, even if ds1 is walking with me too - current nursery is just a little bit too far for ds1 to walk especially after a long day at school), is absolutely fantastic at pre-school level - I miss the whole family atmosphere there. Educationally, even though the current nursery is fine, this nearer one is much much better and there'll also be more children going to the catchment area school.

The problem is, ds2 is really settled where he is now. Is it cruel to move him now? I'd like to be able to build up to five morning sessions when he's 3, but would be reluctant to do so at the current day nursery as a) it's so much more expensive and b) it's ALL year round without a break for him, unlike the other termly one.

I guess the dilemma is that although I think the move will be good for him long term, I'm dreading the whole settling in process again, especially as he's so happy now If he is going to move, I need to hand in my notice in the next couple of weeks ready for his September start in the new nursery.

How old is he, georgina?

He'll be 2 and 4 months in September.

Also the move will be to 3 afternoon sessions a week (of 3 hours each) rather than the current day which is 8am - 5.30pm (when dh can drop off/pick up via work provided traffic is in his favour).

I moved dd1 from one nursery to another at this age - granted, she hadn't been at the first one for long and I moved her because I was unhappy with their attitude - but she was absolutely fine with it. I think they can be more adaptable at this age than we give them credit for tbh. I think your anxieties stem from the fact that it is not (on the surface) a child-centric decision (still a perfectly valid one, though!)

If it's any consolation, dd (who is 2.8) first went to a nursery when she was 18 months old and it took AGES to settle her in but we moved house 3 months ago, so she was 2.5 and she settled in really well to her new nursery, it was much much easier than last time (so dh tells me, he did it) So I don't think it's cruel, I think he'll be fine.

Thanks both of you. Funnily enough, ds1 moved nurseries at almost exactly the same age (and was fine) but that was due to a house move - so the change was enforced from external circumstances.

As you say Miaou, I think it's because it's not a child-centric decision this time round that I'm feeling like this.

Still think you are doing the right thing by moving him though

Thanks

Hello Georgina A, you seem very confident the new nursery is fantastic and will adequetly meet your son's needs so I would move him. He's at that age were children make friends very easily anyway and it is suprising how easily young children actually adapt to new changes in their little lives. Could you perhaps do a few taster sessions at the new nursery before making the final decision to switch?

As I say, ds1 went there for 2 years (has been at school for the last year) - still the same staff there, was very happy with them. They had a glowing Ofsted report, etc.

Unfortunately, it being a term-time only place, they're now closed until September - so the taster sessions would be the settling in period.

I can't really afford to run the two side by side, especially as I have a month's notice with his current day nursery.

Just wanted to give you an update. Have handed our notice into the current nursery and feeling very sad about that.

However, ds1 is going to a holiday club for 4-8 year olds run by the same people as the second nursery that ds2 will be going to in September. Dropped ds1 off this morning and ds2 had a MAJOR tantrum because he couldn't stay too. Feeling a lot more reasurred that he'll settle well in the new one now!