Is nursery/pre school necessary and if so, from what age?

[DarkGreen]

My toddler is 3 in January and hasn't been to nursery so far but I wondered if there is any need for a child to go to nursery before school? Is it beneficial for them to go or is it just a choice there if you want/need to send them?

I think it is beneficial, but it isn't essential. Some people choose not to send them.

Watching with interest OP as nursery is on the horizon for us next September and I’ve not put his name down anywhere yet.

Yes it's beneficial for them as they learn social skills, interacting with their peers and how to play with others along with learning to sit and listen for mat time, take turns etc.

I have several friends who are primary school teachers, they can always tell the children who have been to nursery/pre school and those which haven't when they go to school.

Children who haven't do catch up with their peers but it takes a bit of time. Those who have been to nursery generally settle quicker there is obviously always exceptions to this.
With the funded hours it's beneficial for them even if it's only a few mornings or afternoons a week.

I think it's beneficial. My DD is the same age and she goes to preschool. She loves it. My son also did preschool from 2.5. It was really useful for him and enabled us to get help for selective mutism. Something we'd never know he suffered with if we'd never left him somewhere like that.

It made the transition to school easier for him for sure, even though he was the only one from his preschool going to that school.

It's been great for me too. I have 3 mornings a week free and I love it. I can get on top of things and go to the gym.

After Easter when she gets her funding she'll go 4 mornings a week

They say that from the age of 3 it's good to socialise (that's usually why in a lot of countries, free hours are offered from the age of 3).

If you however go to playgroups and have play dates, I don't think there is any difference between that or going to nursery.

It might be easier to transition him for you to leave before he starts school as it would be a huge change even if it's only 1-2 mornings a week but it's only a suggestion.

Every child is different. Some need it and some don't. Mine didn't go because of lockdown and covid and he is doing fine at school. It is a personal choice and one which will divide the majority of people. There are plenty of learning opportunities for preschoolers at home- baking, play, garden, walks, days out etc.

Our preschoolers love playing together, working things out together and taking part in the activities we offer. They learn to be independent in self care- we often see very capable 3yos be unable to put shoes on as soon as a parent arrive, for example.

However it isn't essential provided they are getting plenty of time to socialise and do interesting activities at home. If they are unsettled being away from parents or home it would be beneficial to get used to that transition before having to be at school all day, every day. If there is any development concerns then nursery is an opportunity to gain an experienced opinion and to get support.

I was very pro nursery/pre-school for my DD and she’s settled into school amazingly well because of it.

Not having her be able to play with her friends during lockdown was so sad, when she went back she said to me it was the best day ever.

For me it’s the interaction with other kids and what others have said above.

Our DD started nursery and did just one day for two years and it was amazing the difference in her, I felt like she excelled more than she would have just me/grandparent care.

I would wholly recommend it 😊

It's not necessary if you use other registered childcare like a childminder or attend activities and social groups allowing lo to seperate from you and to play with others resolve conflict, learn to share and take turns. Be independent in dressing, toileting, getting a drink, tidying up toys, make opportunities for messy play etc. On a daily basis.