Advice on start date…

[whatsername444]

So I’m just looking for a bit of advice.. my little girl is a lockdown baby born in 2020 - she’s due to turn 3 next month & her nursery start date is 3 days after her birthday.
long story short, I’m really not feeling it! She’s very clever for age, speaks great and is well socialised with other kids her age & she has an older sibiling. My issue is starting her so soon after her birthday as she’s a young 3 - I don’t want to traumatise her by sending her then she’s off for Christmas break then back again if that makes sense - I know it sounds like I’ve made my mind up… but I’m just looking to see if anyone has ever had the same dilemma?

She’s also doing ok with the potty training when we are at home, but the minute she’s outside it’s a nightmare. So I’d rather her be totally out of nappies before starting too. She’s only going to be going part time but the hours are long 9-3. Feel like I’m in a total tissy about this - I’d rather not send her at all this year if I’m total honest but I don’t want to rob her of the experience.

There's no rush, if you don't want her to start yet (unless you've signed a contract and are worried about paying for something you aren't using).

she won't go to school until September 2025 - she's got ages to 'get the Nursery experience'.

Just don't send her!

I really don't think she'll mind if you 'rob her of the experience' of going to nursery for goodness sake.

Well, just start her in January then?

And not really sure of the relevance of her being born in lockdown? Mine was born in 2020 and has been at nursery for two years...

Have you signed a contract? Or given the nursery a definite start date? Is she entitled to 2 yeat funding or nothing until her 15/30 hour funding kicks in in January?

The relevance is for our family dynamic - my son was really well socialised at this age & my daughters been different. I only wanted advice there’s no need to be rude! Each to their own. I’m just feeling a bit different this time round as I don’t feel she’s fully ready… like I say I was asking for advice.

I was only looking for advice as it’s what I’m hearing a lot of how much they need nursery experience.. it’s one of those situations I just feel I had to write it all down to make a decision! Thanks for your input tho

If it was me, I'd send her, if she doesn't cope/settle well, I'd try again in the new year.

This is her funded place, we are in Scotland.
I’m just unsure if there’s any movement with with the date she’s due to start - I think I’m going to contact the nursery and see if this is possible. Thank you for your advice it’s much appreciated.

I’ve not signed anything yet - she’s due her first day mid November where all the documents are signed then.. but think I will contact the nursery on Monday & ask if I can move her start date to January. I’m just feeling so torn to make the right decision.

I think most nurseries would let you delay until January. Regardless of anything else, I wouldn't fancy a mid-November start date, there for a month, then two or three weeks off at Christmas, then back – sounds like a great way to essentially have to settle in twice!