Nursery advice please

[velveteenrabbittales]

DD is 20 months and thinking of starting her in nursery. At the moment DH and I both look after her whilst working from home (easy enough to do as our jobs aren't too taxing) She gets enough attention has lots of resources etc. But I feel she needs the social aspects of nursery as we aren't going to any baby groups etc and can't see them re-starting any time app. I'm also starting a new job late spring which will put a lot of pressure on the wfh arrangements. The nursery I want her to go to has room aged 1-2 and room 2-3. Should I start her now so she gets used to the nursery setting with lower ratio of children to adults or wait 4 months and start her at 2 so she goes straight into the 2-3 room. I don't want her to get attached to a keyworker and then have to move to the new room in 4 months time. But at the same time I'm worried about her going straight into a bigger busier 2-3 room without having any previous experience of a nursery setting. What would you do?

Can you start now but for 2 or 3 days a week and then go up?

I had same conundrum but room 0-1 or 1-2 when he was starting at 11 months. He was walking and needed a lot of stimulation so I went for 1-2 instead of letting him settle, get attached and settle again. He’s now waiting to go into 2-3. I think it depends on your child and your gut feel. A lot of the 2-3 have potentially already been at nursery a year so are confident at being away from parents etc.

Good point it may be good to start her with the younger ones as she is still quite a young 20 months and a 3 year old might be a bit much for her especially whilst trying to settle

Our children aren’t moving up at the moment as they are all in their different bubbles
They are staying where they are and we don’t know when that will change
Don’t assume your child will move rooms at 2 - everything is so different at the moment

Dd started nursery at 23 months, and had a month in the 1-2 room, but spent time in the 3+ area as well.

Although do check with nursery, as with covid they’ll probably have set bubbles with no movement, so in that case I’d probably stick with the 1-2 room. There will be other babies in a similar situation.

Ask the nursery- at ours the room ages are more guidelines than anything. My toddler should by age be going to the toddler room but as she's only four months off the transition age they've advised just sticking her straight in the preschool room.

I'll check with them to see what the current system is. @Ostryga how did your 23 month old settle? How long did it take her to get used to it all?

Ask the nursery and see what they think. Together I am sure you can come up with a suitable plan

I don't really think it would make much difference. I would start her when you need the childcare and can afford it. Nursery settling in is challenging under any circumstance, but they do adjust. If you are ready for her to go now, I would start now.