Nusery worries.

[KAEKAE]

My DS1 turned three last month and started nursery part time afternoon nursery two weeks ago. He is totally exhausted when I collect him but he seems to be enjoying his time there. However, I discovered yesterday that some of the children in his class are a whole year older than him. The age gap is really obvious, DS is still quite babyish, he can't speak as well as the older ones and is a lot slower paced. I didn?t realise that some of the children would be a whole year older than him, will he be at a disadvantage?

I don't really understand what you are asking. Surely if the other children are able to speak a little better it will encourage him to try?

I think this is standard, depending on the size of the nursery. My DS's nursery is small and has 1 classroom for 2 - 4 yr olds. I've never noticed a problem.

Thank you Vine, yes my sons nursery is very small too so that is reassuring to know it is normal!

When your DS starts school there will be an age difference of around 1 year between the oldest and the youngest child in the class (or possibly more if you live in Scotland).

I'm a nursery nurse working with 2-4 year olds in a small, single roomed nursery.
There are times when the group is split according to age/ability (the older ones do letters/sounds, the younger ones have a story - just an example) and times when the whole group comes together (circle time, songs etc)
It works really well and each learn a lot from the other. Age isn't the only factor, a younger child can be encouraged to join in an activity by watching an older one, but so too can the less confident older child. They all gain something from their friendships,despite their ages.
As bigstripeytiger has mentioned, there is almost a year's difference between the eldest and youngest children in every school year depending on when their birthday falls.
I wouldn't worry at all as long as he is settled and happy!

Thank all so much for the responses. I feel much better having read them.

KAEKAE your DS will be one of the youngest in his school year and, sadly, you are noticing now the difference between the bigger 4yr olds and your young DS who has just turned 3. Being with older children will help his language skills and confidence and the gap soon closes.

I know how you feel though, my DD just started nursery and she turned 3 at the end of August too. Luckily DD is a total chatterbox, but she looks so small and less physically able (climbing mainly) than her older peers.