Preschool - starting school this September

7 replies

ahsbehdne · 02/03/2023 14:49

My daughter turned 4 last week. She is at preschool and due to start reception this September.
She goes to preschool 9-1 3 days a week and comes home exhausted. She's a sensitive and introverted child so the socialising , whilst great, does take it out of her.

I have the pang of mum guilt that I should be increasing her hours to get her ready for longer days come September , but I just know I would be pushing her when she just isn't ready yet.

Anyone else have a child like this?
My anticipation is that come September she will have changed so much and just be ready for it then (as she will have to be!) they change so quickly don't they!!

Please reassure me that I am not a shit mum for not increasing her hours !!!

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DESGUSTING · 02/03/2023 21:19

My child's doing the same hours with an added longer day on a Monday 8-3.

She's also starting school this year, I was worried but the head teachers I've spoke to said they all adapt really well and quickly.

I decided to not stress anymore and just
Go with the flow when she starts.
Few early nights will do no harm if they need to catch up.

Pjmasksonrepeat · 02/03/2023 21:37

My little one is very introverted too. He does 3.5 days (9-3.45) and I was thinking of making it 4 full days at some point but changed my mind. I want to enjoy time with him before he starts school! Do what you feel is right for your child but reception will be slightly staggered start and they will adapt quickly. Have a snack ready as soon as you pick her up, give her chill time when she gets home and try not to organise anything in the evenings to start with.

Original poster

ahsbehdne · 02/03/2023 22:02

Thank you both of you @DESGUSTING @Pjmasksonrepeat

That has put my mind at rest. I am fortunate to be in a position to not have to send her in for longer hours and more days so I will make the decision to focus on enjoying my time with her now :) thank you

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Saracen · 02/03/2023 23:28

It sounds like you don't work full-time? If your little one still doesn't cope well with longer days come September, you could continue with part-time attendance in Reception. Until she reaches "Compulsory School Age" (in her case April 2024), the decision is yours, so you won't need anyone's agreement. See the Schools Admissions Code. Reception is meant to be a gentle introduction to school, so your daughter doesn't have to be raring to go from 9-3 five days a week. You could also keep her off for occasional rest days if she needs it. Attendance isn't compulsory until after she's five.

I hate this whole idea of trying to get small children ready for school younger and younger. There are even parents who feel under pressure to send their two year olds to nursery, not because they want or need to, but because they've been told their child may find it difficult to adjust at three without prior nursery experience!

Original poster

ahsbehdne · 03/03/2023 07:08

@Saracen thanks for your comment

I had no idea compulsory school age wasn't until 5!! That is good to be aware of !

I feel a lot more rest assured I'm doing the right thing now. She attends the morning session and has lunch with the group each morning she js in, so I feel that gives her enough exposure to school routine. I just feel like she needs the other two days at the moment for herself. I'm sure that will change the older she gets .

I do agree there does seem to be a pressure in society right now to get children school ready very early. I don't know if that's because more mums are working full time now so more children do have to go to nursery. I am lucky that i don't have that to consider as I work the small hours my daughter is at preschool . I think I just need fo chill out more lol

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SnackSizeRaisin · 04/03/2023 22:12

I would just do what's right for her at the moment. I don't understand this idea of getting ready for the next stage in advance. She can get used to the long days when she starts them in September. That's 6 months away yet. Whatever you do now there will be a 6 weeks holiday in between (that feels like forever at 4) so she'll be used to being at home all the time by September either way!

BendingSpoons · 04/03/2023 22:25

SnackSizeRaisin · 04/03/2023 22:12

I agree with this. Reception is designed to help prepare for the rest of school. They can get used to it then when they are that bit older.

My DD did 3 hours 4/5 days per week at nursery (COVID meant they did 4 days instead of 5 from June to allow for cleaning). She much preferred 4 days to 5 but coped fine starting school.

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