Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Flip

Original poster

How many days for pre-school?

5 replies

KY2021 · 23/02/2023 10:14

My DD is due to start pre-school in September when she's 3 using the 30 free hours but I'm torn over how many days to send her in. Originally I was going to do 5 full days because it's part of a school so she'll have the school holidays off but I'm actually going to be on maternity leave now for her full 1st year and feel really guilty sending her in 5days when I'll be at home with the new baby. I think my concern is that it's going to be a huge transition having a sibling and starting pre-school anyway so does she really need to do 5 days just because she can? I don't think I'm ready to have her away from me all week already 😩

We have no concerns around her development and her speech is excellent so it's purely for the social side that she's going. I don't want to mess around with half days either.

Any advice? What works best in your experience?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Soapnotshowergel · 23/02/2023 11:01

My DD did three full days at nursery/preschool and then two days off with me (I work 3 days a week) and that carried on when I was on mat leave. No problems with her transitioning to 5 day a week school, I think I missed her more than she missed me to start with.

It was nice having a full day with the baby to do classes and get things done round the house but then it was also lovely having them both together and I think it's helped with their bond. I had my second in lockdown though so it was nice to have someone to chat to even if that someone was 3!

Original poster

KY2021 · 23/02/2023 13:28

@Soapnotshowergel this is exactly my way of thinking. I don't want her only days with the new baby to be weekends/holidays. Did most children go part time do you know?

OP posts:

Rosio · 23/02/2023 13:52

My DS started preschool at 3 and he does 2.5 days a week (weds afternoon, all day Thurs & Fri) I didn't want to put him straight into 5 days as was worried how he'd adjust (didn't go to nursery before that)
His younger brother can start in a year and I'm considering putting him in every day though as eldest will be in reception by then and it frees me up to change jobs and work more hours. Though I do feel guilty about it that he won't have the extra time at home with me like eldest did

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

3 year olds Childcare & nursery Families General parenting

Soapnotshowergel · 23/02/2023 15:51

I think there was a real mix of what the other kids did - I think most had a mix of nursery/preschool or childminder and then either a parent or grandparent looking after them on other days. I don't think there were lots in full time nursery prior to starting school.

I was pleased she was in some childcare while DD2 was a baby, it gave me a bit of a break and gave her plenty of time to play with kids her own age, I don't know how any one copes having them both at home! 😂

Lemonademoney · 12/06/2023 18:10

We’ve always done three days first year then four days second year of preschool. Our preschool closes at 1 though so they are short days. those days together are so precious if you can afford to have them before they are in full time school. This year we’ve visited museums and parks, been on train rides and out for cake and we are off to a farm tomorrow.

Flip