Is nursery beneficial?

[JammyRoz]

Hi, my name is Roz and Im currently studying on an access to Teacher Training Course where I have to do a research project. I am investigating the benefits of nursery education, both private and school nurseries, also looking at how much they prepare children for school. I am interested in your experiences and opinions regarding nursery education and any feedback would be of a great help.
All replies will be treated with confidentiality and once the project is complete if you would like to see any part of it I can supply copies.
Thankyou

I have had very positive experiences with nursery ed for both my kids who went from around 2.5 yrs. My ds had SN and went to a private nursery and had volunteer helpers for each session. He learnt to deal better with social situations, was challenged to develop further and enjoyed the access to toys and activities. He went to only 2 sessions a week but that was enough for him. At 4 yrs 4 weeks he started school full time and has progressed well in SN school.

DD went to a MOntessori nursery the main reason being that she was a precocious talker and was frustrated when nursery groups were divided by age and the others wouldn't talk to her because they couldn't so a mixed class with kids up to five was perfect because she could chat to the older ones.. She started learning her letters and writing though hadn't got far but has picked it up quickly now at school. Learning the disciline of when to sit and be quiet has also helped her prepare. The fact that a couple of children in her class and some in other classes were at the same nursery helped her transition too