Nursery - morning or afternoon? Does it make any difference?

[Gillian76]

DS is due to start nursery this term. Both DDs went in the morning and I have the feeling that I would like DS to do the same. Partly because it's what I am familiar with. Partly because it would be more convenient for me and actually allow me some free time. And partly because it seems to be a common conception that morning places are somehow 'better', more stimulating and have a better 'buzz' and social atmosphere for the children.

DS has been offered an afternoon place and initially I feel I'd prefer a morning. What are others' experiences? Am I being obtuse?

can't put my hand to it, but i know i've read some research that shows children are more receptive to learning in the mornings. i think it's linked to energy levels etc. am sure others will come along with 'proper' answers...

That's my gut instinct anyway, StinkyPete.

Mine were always tired in the afternoons at that age so got more out of going to playgroup or nursery in the mornings. Then had the option of a nap in the afternoons.

Don't think I have the "proper" answers but I can probably let you know in a few weeks! DS1 went in the mornings for the same reasons as Gillian and also a friend suggested that if you do nursery in the morning, you still have plenty of time to do things in the afternoon but if you did afternoon nursery, you would always have to rush back from whatever you were doing in the morning to get to nursery!
Don't know if that makes sense.

DS2 is going in the afternoons (after all that ) so we can carry on doing our morning activities. I have to be back by 3 to pick DS1 up from school so thought I'd do it all at the same time - will let you know

Thanks for the opinions. He doesn't ever have a nap, so that's not a big problem.

I also have 2 DDs at school needing picked up at 3 (DD2 will be full time in about 6 weeks). Nursery finishes at 3.15 AFAIK. Good thinking...

Hi, my dd goes to preschool of a morning. I think that it will help her to settle into a routine of getting up in the morning and getting ready for school so it should be easier for her when she starts school properly.Also I know for a fact that if my dd went to preschool in the afternoon at the moment she would be so hyped up it would take me ages to get her to calm down for the evening at least this way we spend each afternoon together and we have some quiet time before tea and bedtime is really easy.

In NZ you start with pm and progress to am - as for what educational basis - I thinks it's just because there are more hours in the morning - so a longer session for the older ones to prepare for school.

I chose afternoons because the secretary told me there was more chance of getting a place if you asked for pms (there's fierce competition for places) as most mums want mornings.

When my elder dd started nursery I had a new born so getting up early for the morning nursey session was a no go anyway!!

As I intend to Home educate, exclusively, both dds from next sept anyway I'll probably do some 'learning' at home with the youngest in the mornings and then just let her 'play' in the afternoons at nursery.

I know some mums wouldn't even consider afternoons over mornings.
I don't think there's a best time it's just whatever suits your circumstances at the time.

Sorry I'm late to this thread - have just been away on holiday.

DS went to playgroup for a mixture of mornings and afternoons. As I have a younger DD and am pg I found it hard to get there for 9am and it'd be harder when the baby's born in Nov, so am going for afternoons when he starts Nursery school next week. I hated the fact tho that playgroup pms started at 12.15 - too early! Other reasons for choosing pms:

1. DS is full of energy in the ams and needs to work some of it off in the ams. He sits still better in the pms and is more attentive then, in fact.

2. Now while pg and later when I have 3 under 5s, I'm planning to do activities with them, and we can always have lunch out once or twice a week or take a picnic lunch (eat it in the car if weather naff!) and go straight to school for 12.50 - saves the hassle of going home and unloading 2 or 3 from car for lunch and then getting them out of the house again. Then DD will have a nap giving me some free time/rest while pg & afterwards or time to feed/play with the baby in peace. Then when DS finishes at 3.20pm I won't feel obliged to take them somewhere after school, as DS'll be too tired anyway and will probably want to watch tv andp lay with his toys.

3. We also have toddler groups in the pms to take DS to, am planning to do so about twice a week, if she's not too tired.

4. It'll mean he'll be used to all-day activities (in fact he already is) from about 10-3.20 b4 he starts FT school next year, so MAYBE (being optimistic) he'll be less tired in the pms than the other children.

5. DRAWBACK: next year having to get used to early starts for FT school with 3 of them to get ready and get out of the house at 8.30. EEEKKK!!! At least I won't be pg (so tiring!) & baby'll be 10 months old so in a routine.

I may change my mind with DD and DC3 and go for ams though, if that suits all of us better at the time .....

Sorry, in no. 3 meant toddler groups to take DD to.

I think you are lucky to get the choice, I really wanted mornings and got afternoons. I am going to have a really tough year, feel really aggrieved about it, but nothing I can do