So basically I need some advice/other peoples opinions…
My little boy is about to get his 15 funded nursery hours soon, but I’m torn between two nurseries which operate completely different session times. One is morning or afternoon sessions for 3 hours a day split over 5 days, with the option to do full 9-3 days too, so could do a mix even? One is 8-4 sessions for 2 days a week. They are both good nurseries, but the 8-4 one has bigger and better outdoor area is probably the only main difference. What hours do you recommend? Full days or half days or a mix? I should probably mention that he will be 3 and has barely ever been left with anyone else so I am worried 8 hours is too long of a day? My work is freelance so I’ve always worked around him and had him at home, now I also have a 5 month old now as well so am not even working currently, so feel bad having him in nursery for such a long day while I’m at home? Does this make sense? Am I being ridiculous and overthinking it? Also how do the logistics work for a full day with dinner and bath etc, so at the 8-4 nursery they have ‘dinner’ at 3pm so do I then not feed him when we eat at 5/5:30? Other people have told me short days are worse for their learning benefit and take longer to settle in? Opinions needed please!!!