Hello,
I hope you don't mind me posting here for advice, I have a new username as my e-mail is apparently invalid!
My DS has just turned 3 this week and is eligible for his free 15 hours come April. He is currently on the pathway for a diagnosis of ASD and last saw the paedtrician in November who referred him for an early place due to his development delay but this never came to fruition so he has had to wait 6 months for this 3 year funding. Oh, they want him in nursery to observe his behaviour with other children to help with diagnosis etc.
Anyway, where I live there is little choice of pre-school nurseries. I don't have access to a car so can't drive to the one I would really like to send him to a few miles away. I originally got him a place at one around 10 minutes walk away which he will be in a class of 25 of 3-5 year olds. The room to me seemed very small and dark but had nice outside space (this would be shared on a rota with other children of different ages) but he would have to go 3 times a week for 5 hours a go, breakfast, snacks, lunch included in this time from 8am until 1pm. This nursery a couple of years ago was put in special measures due to safety issues but now is rated as good.
Another nursery rang this week (which originally didn't have a place but one child has dropped out) and said they can offer me a morning slot for him (I have a 19 month old also, who naps in the afternoon and also DS tends to be a bit within himself in the afternoons too). The place does look basic but has nice areas, a messy play area, reading corner etc, and also a nice outside space (although not as good as the other) which children have access to most of the time come rain or shine, DS looks being outside and this is where he comes out of himself more and tries to interact. Only thing is that it's quite a walk, around 20-30 minutes each way (DS walks). It would be every morning 8.30 until 11.30 including snacks. I don't mind the walk. It is a fairly new nursery but they have another nursery run by the same management that was rated as good and is praised for bringing independence out.
DH thinks that I should put him in the one closest, as it will be easier for me and I won't be walking 2 hours per day. Which could be tricky with a 19 month old who hates the buggy as it is and a tired toddler. Also he thinks that being with children his age and up will be beneficial and will bring him on more than this other nursery which is only 2 and 3 year olds, but I think this is a good thing as it puts him on more of a level playing field and won't frustrate him as much. I don't know what to do. Sorry I know this has got a bit long!
I hope someone can offer me their advice and opinions about this, would be well appreciated! Thanks :)