Starting nursery but they've mixed classes?

[musicaljojo]

My three year old is due to start nursery school in September and I recieved a letter from them this morning explaining that they are going to mix the reception and nursery children together, with two teachers and 6 TA's.

There will also be no stay and play but a session in which they can explore for an hour in Sept before they start the following week but no parents can stay.

I am worried because my three year old has never visited this place, I've never met any of the staff and has never been in a nursery setting before, he's always stayed with grandparents whilst I've been at work, it's extremely daunting and it's the little things like me showing him where the toilets are and the fact that I'm leaving him with people he's never met before.

Should I look for another preschool or maybe even a private nursery for him, ? He's an intelligent child, it's more for the social aspect that I'd like him to go.
Is it just first time mummy worries or would anyone else feel worried about this?

It's tricky at the moment with COVID. My DD started school nursery last Sept and Reception this year. We were in the same position as you last year, in that she had not been to childcare before.

Are the school offering any photos or videos of teachers or the classroom? It would obviously be preferable if you could go to the stay and play session (although I see why you can't) but I wouldn't completely change your plans over it. If you prepare him in terms of showing him what you can in terms of photos and talking through what he can do e.g. ask for the toilet, he will probably be fine. The teachers will know what is important to small children e.g. toilets. FWIW DD's nursery offer a Jan intake with no stay and play and the children seem to manage. If he is intelligent (so presumably able to express himself and understand) and used to being away from you, albeit with grandparents, he should be fine.

I'm in a similar position, except that we always knew it would be mixed Nursery and Reception class (all classes at the school are mixed year), but now for us it will be Nursery, Reception AND Years 1 and 2, all together in the school hall for the first month!

I know some nurseries have been doing Zoom calls with teachers, "doorstep" home visits, or playground meet the teacher sessions outdoors. I get that it's difficult to have parents come into the buildings (except that apparently it IS ok for a bunch of us to go in for a vision and values session the day before term starts...) but there does seem to be a bit more lateral thinking going on at some schools than at others.

I'm struggling to get the school to engage at the moment, have been chasing for any info at all on nursery for a week now, so plan to write to them tomorrow asking to defer until October when the class should be back in their usual classroom. I have no joining details at all, apart from what has been mentioned in the newsletter, and what I know from my older boy being at the school. My DS3 hasn't spent much time away from us/me either.

Reception and Nursery together seems to work fine at our school usually though - hope that reassures you on the mixed class aspect!

My nursery let us sit in the playground for settling in sessions. My daughter could stay and play outside with us, or pop inside with staff when she was ready. Could they do something like that?

We were also allowed to have a quick look around after everyone had left for the day.

I think by 3 I would give it a go; you will be able to have a conversation with him pre warning him and explaining what is happening. Maybe show him pictures online of the setting. He will
Be able to tell you how is went when you collect him.

The staff will help him and show him where things are. They are experienced at settling children of this age group and helping them enjoy themselves. Your child may seem to enjoy the first few sessions and then get upset a week or so later, this is very normal for the age group but they soon settle after this.

At three your child should begin to enjoy themselves and make friends quite quickly.