Should I give DS a 'Summer holiday' from preschool before starting school?

[BelinaTheChicken]

DS is in a private preschool 4 afternoons a week, which he really enjoys. I like the preschool he is in, the staff are lovely, but there are some concerns about the educational side, it's mainly free play, so not much structure, although they do sit down for circle time etc.

The preschool runs all year round, so I have the option of keeping him in right up until he starts school in September. Should I take him out a bit early and give him a bit of a break before starting school? Can't decided whether he'd be better staying in a routine, or having time to doss out at home or on the beach. Any ideas?

It would also save us £400, which would be useful. Child care is not such an issue as I work shifts, so I'm not always at work when he is at preschool, my DM does our childcare when DH and I are both working and is happy either way (as she would have DS2 on those times anyway

What we did was reduce DS hours at pre-school over the summer before starting school (from 4 full days to 3 half days). The main reason for this was that we wanted him to stay in a bit of a routine before starting school so it wasn't so much of a shock.

Another factor for us was that DC2 was due that summer, so being heavily pregnant / having tiny newborn I was grateful for the break so I could nap / spend time just with the baby.

It worked well for us, but others we know went to pre-schools attached to the primary school and therefore they did have a break, and that has worked fine for them too!

DS and most of his friends did, because his funding ran out at the end of August and school didn't start until towards the end of Sept.

Ditto what bedhog said, many children will have been in term time preschool so will have had summer off too. save yourself £400!

Pipkin we would reduce his hours, but we would still have to pay the full price as they have a minimum of 4 half days or 2 full days. For us DS2 is less work when DS1 is off preschool, as they entertain each other. And it would be nice for the two of them to have some quality time together before they are apart for most days.

Think I will save the £400, could really do with it, and perhaps even put it towards Summer swimming lessons, or some other class that would provide a bit of structure. Last Summer he ended up missing at least one day a week as we were having too much fun on the beach and I didn't want him to miss out on time with his friends. Will speak to the preschool tomorrow and sort it.

Thanks for the advice