Hi,
Just wondering what to do as I have to confirm my DD's state nursery place by tomorrow if we want to send her back in September (we're in Italy, so it's a different system).
My DD seems happy where she is, and settled in really well in September, but I and DP have never particularly liked the nursery we ended up being allocated, it's private-run but has subsidised state places.
It was quite low down my list of choices and we find it to be a bit old-fashioned and the staff not very communicative - parents are asked to keep out of the actual nursery area (except for the settling in period) and we get very little feedback about DD's development, activities, etc.
The owner seems professional but quite rigid and seems annoyed if you ask her about anything. The emphasis is on "teaching discipline through play", but we never see any of the paintings or anything DD does, not once has she brought something home.
BUT - and this is why we've kept her there - DD, 21 months, seems to really enjoy going! She is positively excited to get there in the mornings, most days, and has really bonded with 2 of the staff. She even asks for her favourite teacher sometimes on weekends or during the holidays.
Also, they've said that she's really come out of her shell recently, and while initially she was a bit shy with the other kids, she now approaches them to play (yes, last week they actually gave me some feedback for once!)
So, would it be a bad idea to trying moving her to a new nursery at the beginning of September, when she'll be nearly 2.4?
I'm worried it could be unsettling for her. Our home environment isn't always particularly calm as we're going through major relationship problems - which could realistically lead to a separation - so I really want her to feel confident and happy at her daycare. We can't afford a private place, but I'd try to get her into a much better state-run nursery in our area.
Sorry about the long, rambling post. Would love to hear your thoughts.