should we move dd?

[familyfun]

dd is 3.3 and started preschool nursery 3 weeks ago, she cried the first day as she had never been left before but has enjoyed it ever since, including asking to go at the weekend
she loves the teacher and talks about her friends, she mainly paints and plays outside.
she is doing afternoons in a class of 11, all born march-august so the younger class.

the teacher has asked if we will consider swapping her to morning group with the sept-feb born so the older class, dd is born july. she said it is more structured and dd would fit in better as she is quite bright.

i think dd would love more structure as she loves to sit and draw, write letters/numbers and try to read. she would be with the same teacher.

but she would have to start again making friends, isnt very confident so may get overawed by slightly older/larger children who have already made friends.

the 2 classes join next sept in reception if she gets a place.

cant decide what is best?

I would leave her where she is. If she is settled and happy why rock the boat!

The nursery should provide appropriate activities ( individualised planning ) for all children regardless of age. It's more about stage of development. So if she stays in the afternoon, they should provide more of the opportunities you describe for her.

i would leave her where she is if she is happy.

or, ask if you can just try her out in the other group one morning a week, and if she prefers it then move her

Absolutely leave her where she is. She's already done one lot of adjusting.
The nursery should be providing the "same" (obviously age appropriate) for both age groups - so your DD really shouldn't be "missing out" on anything.

I would try her out for a couple of mornings a week and see how it went.

I think if you leave her it wouldn't harm as she is happy. I don't suppose the teacher, however, has suggested this without good reason. It is only 3 weeks in and friendships at this age are somewhat fickle anyway.

I'd follow the teachers advice (assuming her reasoning is for daughter's benefit rather than juggling numbers or to move an older child who is a bit more immature to the 'younger' brood).

I know this goes against the other posters but it sounds like your DD has a good rapport with the teacher etc.

even more confused now, when i collected dd the teacher said she had been really upset today and wouldnt tell them why, the teacher had to take her a walk round to calm down but she was fine when they went outside to play.
i know friday a boy scared her and she cried and monday she cried when going to the toilet but today ive no idea why she cried and dd said it was no reason.
now not sure whether to move her as she seems less settled anyway or leave her and save her more disruption.
she says she doesnt like school anymore and wants to stay home.
what a turn around.
she does have friends although only for a short time and i think she may be emotionally too immature to go in the older group.
i agree that the same opportunities should be provided for both sessions, which i think they are, its mainly free play.
my main reason for sending her to preschool was to socialise and get ready for reception next year.
but when the teacher suggests moving her i feel i need to consider it as i dont want to hold her back, and maybe dd would mix better with the older kids who want to sit and work more than the younger ones who wander around more??
thanks for all the replies, all useful