Best time to start Nursery for DD

[Bumblebeex]

Hi Mumsnet,

I’m just after some advice on when to send my DD to nursery.

She’s due to start the nursery attached to the school we’re planning to send her to next April, when she’ll be 3 years 3 months old.

We’ve also signed her up to start a private nursery this April, when she’ll be 2 years 3 months, but I’m having doubts about whether to go ahead. We don’t need the childcare for work, as grandparents currently look after her on the two days I work.

She goes to playgroups once or twice a week and does things like soft play and swimming. She can be quite shy and cautious in new places, so I’m wondering whether she’d be better off waiting until she’s 3 to start nursery, or whether she might actually benefit from starting sooner.

Has anyone been in a similar position? Any thoughts or experiences welcome x

I wouldn’t start her somewhere and change her after a few months just when she’s settled in and made friends. Mine started at 9 and 11 months, respectively, and that was great but I worked and we have no family help. I don’t think there is necessarily a benefit to starting a bit before 3 unless grandparents are struggling. I’d start her where you intend to keep her.

If you want to start her at 2 though, keep her there til school age.

Mine started at 3.5 and it’s worked out great, she’s never been emotional at drop off and loves it. I wouldn’t do it at 2 if not needed, I think her time will be much more enriching spent with family, especially as doing playgroups etc

like pp said, I also wouldn’t start her somewhere just to move her a few months later

I would leave things as they are, unless you feel that the grandparents aren't coping well or do boring things with her.

From 2 is great if she was staying in the same setting until going to school but I agree it's a shame to settle he into one nursery and then change to another one. Is there the option to keep her in the same nursery the whole time?

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

She’s very happy with her grandparents, who do lots of activities with her and take her out regularly.

I do agree that keeping her in one place may be better, which is why I’m leaning towards her starting nursery at 3. I didn’t explain in my original post that the school nursery doesn’t take children until they are 3, which is why a private nursery was the alternative before this. However, I agree it may be best to wait until she’s 3 so she doesn’t become unsettled by moving nurseries.

It will give me more time to get her potty trained too!