Preschool class - does size matter?

[Sarimillie]

My ds has had offers of a place at two preschools from Jan, and I'm trying to decide between them.

Both are morning groups run in church halls, and have good ofsted reports. One class is quite small - about 10 kids on the roll, while the other has 24.

Oddly, I find myself drawn to the bigger class; just seems that there will be more chance of him finding a good group of friends (and friends are getting increasingly important to him - he will know at least one kid at each group). So - does size matter? He's confident and happy, and has been to nursery. Thoughts?

I think it depends on your DS and what situation he would cope in best. My DD want to a large pre school and absolutely loved it, mixed with everybody and made lot's of friends, she has always been outgoing though and has always made friends easily.
My DS on the other hand is the total opposite and thrived mostly in a small Pre School (only has 5 children atm) he doesn't handle big groups well, though over time it will get busier i'm sure, but i'm glad he has chance to get used to it while it's quiet, he would rather play on his own then mix but he has made friends with the other children there and they're all very close, i know he would of hated it in a busy setting and i'm glad he's being eased in gently.

I have experience of both, and there's good and bad points for both.

If you go for the bigger setting, I think it would be fine providing that there's some degree to which little groups are taken off for given activities, rather than it being 24 children having a mad free-for-all the entire time.

Also, while a preschool might have 24 places, they might only get up to capacity by the beginning of the summer term, e.g. in September you just have those who have already turned 3, then after Christmas all those with Sept-Dec birthdays start, then after Easter the Jan - April birthdays come in. If it's like this, then I totally wouldn't worry because it lets them ramp up to it gently and by the time it's full, your child will be well settled.

Thanks kyrasmummy and misshardbroom - very helpful!