Morning or afternoon session?

[Twolittleloves]

I used to work in a nursery, but haven't for 10years so my memory is abit rusty about children's experiences there.

DD2 is 2.5 and will start preschool in Sept.Her big sister went to the same one but two mornings, and was older (partly due to covid holdups with her starting) 3.5yrs.

We have booked the same sessions for younger DD- two mornings a week.There is flexibility with times as I won't be working those days.

The only thing is, if we do that it will mean stopping her toddler groups with me on those mornings....she is likely our last baby and I'm just not sure I feel ready to give them up for good, as at home I find it hard to get quality 1-1 time with her.
Other pros of doing an afternoon are that it would be less of a rush that morning to get out the door, and that it might be quieter there so perhaps might be less overwhelming for her.
Also, her big sister could come and collect her which might be nice, especially on her first day.

Cons of an afternoon could be that she might be tireder....she still sometimes has a nap at the moment but not all days, and will likely have dropped them completely by September, but is sometimes up early.
Also unsure if her little friend who goes will definitely do the same afternoon (but would be there the morning on the other day anyway)

What are peoples thoughts about what might work best?

Forgot to add, pro of mornings is more time to get things done as session is longer and won't have to collect older DD from school within that time.
She will likely be doing a morning still in the Friday anyway though, as we don't have groups that day.

I know she will gain alot from nursery, I just feel abit sad about sacrificing our time together I guess...before I know it she will be at school and me back to work full time so suppose I just want to relish it.

What time do the afternoon session start?
Will you be rushing from playgroup, home for lunch then dropping off for a couple of hours?

I don't like having a half day for work and starting a lunchtime as I feel I watch the clock all morning to make sure I'm not late.

Morning sessions 9.15-12.15
Afternoon sessions are 1.15-3.45
School runs usually span 8.40-9 and 3-3.30 approx.

Personally I would do morning. Everyone up and out the door. You get a brief moment to yourself before collecting for lunch. A chilled afternoon and nap if needed before the school run.

If you did the mornings could you find soemthifn else to do with DD in the afternoon but maybe when she’s more used to the routine and less tired?
could see if there’s different groups or if nothing on at that time take her swimming or walk etc

Mornings tend to have more adult led structure where I work and themes carry through the day. In the afternoons some children can be napping, it changes the dynamic and there is more free play. I’d personally pick morning sessions if I had the choice.

With the afternoon, you spend te morning clock watching.
With the morning session, you can adjust how you spend the afternoon depending on how tired they are, how hungry etc