so much choice - how on earth do i choose?!?

[naturalbaby]

hiya, my son was 2 a few months ago and my original plan was for him to go to a nursery attached to an independent primary school next september just after he turns 3. now it's getting closer i'm looking at all the other options -
local pre-school, private day childcare type nursery - which he could start anytime before next september and stay till he's ready for school. or nursery attached to independent primary school, or state nursery school next september. are there any other options??
i'm due another baby in feb so don't want to rush into it as i don't need it for childcare reasons and don't want to be rushing 3 kids (2 1/2yr old, 18month old and newborn) out the house early in the morning if it's not going to be right for him - i'm only looking for morning sessions to start with as he still has really long afternoon sleeps. he just loves going to playgroups, socialising and having new opportunities so i don't want him to miss out cause we're not getting to many these days and he wants more. i don't want him to be bored at home this time next year when he could be going somewhere that he'll really enjoy. having seen private nurseries and all they have to offer compared to the local pre-school in the village hall i'm finding it really hard to decide what's best. i really want him to be part of the local community but also want him to have the best we can offer him if we can stretch to a private nursery with lovely outdoor space etc.
just wondering how other parents make the choice!

Hi, well i think the best option has to be going to the nursery class attached to the independent primary school. this way your child can get to know the surroundings, teachers etc who the will be around for the next few years. they can also make friends who will stay with them throughout their time at the school. for a child a new surrounding is very scary! so by getting them use to it as soon as possible if probably the best choice, look forward to your hearing about your choice x

I disagree! It depends on the quality of provision and where you feel he would be happiest. OPur local preschool may not have as many facilities as a private nursery but the staff are beyond excellent. They care about the children so much and create a real warm atmosphere. My DD adores it. It is truly child led in the best way. The local private nursery may have flasher toys but the atmosphere is not the same and you don't feel like they genuinely care about each child. A lot of the staff are very young and don't have the same understanding of small children that you get from having your own! Another local preschool is very average however.

It depends hugely on where you are. You need to visit and look carefully. Watch interactions between staff and parents at start and end of sessions - are there any? This tells you a lot. Something simple as are the children hugguing and saying goodbye to staff or are they running out as fast as they can!
KE you make a big assumption that they plan to send their child to an independent primary. Not all of us do you know!