To find a new nursery or not?

[Thankyouthankyoujellybean]

My 3 year old has been thriving in his nursery since September, but it has suddenly and very sadly had to close. We also have a 6 year old and I am due to give birth in a few weeks.

My initial response (apart from sadness and a little terror!) was that it would be fine to keep him at home and manage with playgroups, library sessions, swimming lessons, gymnastics etc. He's due to start 'proper' pre-school in Sept and he most of the other kids will not have been to 'pre-pre' due to their ages (3yo is old in his year).

The nursery was expensive and doing two drop offs in different directions wasn't terribly easy. In the week since it closed we've been taking 3yo on the walk to school with 6yo along with the various village kids we pick up on the way and he has loved it. I have loved it!

I wonder if it's a selfish decision not to try to find another nursery though - there is no way I can fully replicate that experience, especially with a new baby. The idea of trying to find somewhere fills me with dread - the first thing most of the other parents did was phone everywhere trying to find a place for their child. On the other hand, the timing is AWFUL. We're three weeks away from a new baby, his five-day-a-week nursery (and friends) have just disappeared and trying to find and settle him into a new one for half a year just seems unfair on him.

What would you do? I am very lucky to have family very close by who are keen to help out, so the only consideration is what's best for 3yo. Any idea?!

[Mummaofbears]

I wouldn't put him into anything new with him starting again in September.
There is already going to be a big change with a new baby and I think adding a new nursery into the mix at the same time would be too much change.
I would spend that time with him until September, like you say look for play groups or soft plays for him to attend with you.

[Bells3032]

Honestly it depends on your. You could find a new nursery and not change him again in September or could change him again.

I think the biggest impact is will you be able to cope with a newborn and a three year old (who aren't known for their chill nature) home alone. Some people will be able to and others won't. Do you have any additional support of family etc who will be able to watch him for an hour or so so that you can get some rest.

The newborn itself will be fine just strap them in a sling and get on with what you like

[Thankyouthankyoujellybean]

@Mummaofbears this is my feeling, but I tend to follow my heart and not my head sometimes!

@Bells3032 I'm spoiled rotten in terms of help, honestly. DH works from home and can more or less set his own hours, parents and auntie (a former health visitor who ADORES kids) live in the same village, two of my best friends with similar aged kids within 2mins walk of my house. My attitude has always been 'sling 'em and bring 'em' so the only thing to consider is 3yo.

The nursery he'll go to in Sept is attached to 6yo's school and 3yo already knows a good number of kids that will be going, so that decision is made at least.

Thanks for your help with this, my head has been swimming for the few days since we found out!

[Bells3032]

@Thankyouthankyoujellybean

@Mummaofbears this is my feeling, but I tend to follow my heart and not my head sometimes!

@Bells3032 I'm spoiled rotten in terms of help, honestly. DH works from home and can more or less set his own hours, parents and auntie (a former health visitor who ADORES kids) live in the same village, two of my best friends with similar aged kids within 2mins walk of my house. My attitude has always been 'sling 'em and bring 'em' so the only thing to consider is 3yo.

The nursery he'll go to in Sept is attached to 6yo's school and 3yo already knows a good number of kids that will be going, so that decision is made at least.

Thanks for your help with this, my head has been swimming for the few days since we found out!

If this is the case then I'd probably keep him home til then. If there are a number of other mums in the same boat maybe you can do some meet ups etc

[notknowledgeable]

he has already had the nursery experience - it doesn't matter if he stays home now for the next few months its easier and cheaper, and he will benefit in other ways

[Baircasolly]

Never feel guilty about choosing the best option for you! Mine stayed at home until they were 3.5 and then went straight into the pre-school class of their primary school, and even then they only did half days until they started properly in reception. It worked really well for us.

When I was a kid (a hundred million years ago) even reception class wasn't a thing. I think most kids did go to some sort of "play school" for some hours a week when they were 4ish, but the standard school entry point was Year 1.

It will be fine either way - go for whichever option you actually want to do!