Transferring from a school nursery to a private nursery

[whohaa]

My 3 y/o has been attending a school nursery since September. For various reasons, he will have to leave at the end of this academic year. We are thinking of picking a private nursery for this September until he joins school.Is this going to be a complete disaster? I'm worried I'm going to make a huge mistake.

I’ve worked in childcare for 12 years and from experience I would never send my child to a School Nursery. (Before anyone jumps on me, I’m not saying that good one’s don’t exist, I’m just talking from professional experiences, of which none have been positive). I’m sure he’ll thrive in a private setting, make sure you ask lots of questions when you go to view them :)

Why do you think it could be a huge disaster? What's worrying you about a private nursery?

Just because he's got a taste of school now, I'm imagining that a private nursery is a little less structured and there's less teacher-led time. Although maybe that's better...? Does the same amount of learning take place as a school nursery? I'm just really unfamiliar with how a private one works.

A private nursery will prepare him for school. That's what they do with all the other children in their care. Don't worry about it at all. Just find a nice nursery.

Will you be applying to the school where he has been at nursery?
Does it affect an automatic transfer?
I thought you only did school nursery the year before school but your op says he doesn’t go until next sept?
If you change your mind will you get him back into the original nursery?

Just a few thoughts for you to ponder op.

In my experience, the private nurseries here are far better than school nurseries. Both of mine have gone to a private nursery, my older one transitioned to school just fine. They really shouldn’t be having any sort of structured learning at preschool age. They have their whole lives for school work. They need to play!

Every nursery will have structure to the day - play time, circle time, messy play, art, forest school, meal times, etc. But it shouldn’t be sitting and learning numbers.

If you think it will be a better fit, sounds like it will work fine.

They all follow the EYFS.

School nurseries will be more structured but that isn't necessarily a good thing. Children need to learn through play, not sitting down.