First session at pre-school, DS very clingy and nervous

[MegBusset]

DS had his first session at local Montessori pre-school today. He is 2 in two weeks and starts properly two mornings a week in March -- today I took him in for a couple of hours.

He was very nervous and wouldn't leave my side, shied away from the adults and wouldn't sit down for circle time etc. I'm sure this is normal but I'm just a bit concerned -- as it's a Montessori they have a lot of focus on circle time and group activities and he wouldn't go near any of these today.

He's my PFB so I'm not sure if these are just first-time jitters on my part or if he's maybe just not ready to be in that environment. He is a quiet little chap (though very chatty at home) who likes doing his own thing. Does anyone have advice to offer, has anyone had DC similarly not that outgoing who have settled well at pre-school around this age?

does he have to go just yet?
a lot of preschools don't start until 2 and a half years old and by that age most usually get a lot out of it
It might be worth helping out so you can see what they do
Also find out who his keyworker is and try to mention her name at home and pass him over to her, having a specific person who the child knows can help
By the time he's 3 you'll have forgotten all about this stage

I'm having DC2 at the end of April so had hoped to get a couple of mornings a week with just the baby to look after -- hence him starting at 2. But I'm not going to force him if he doesn't seem to enjoy it.

Quick bump for evening crowd

I would give him a few more visits to see but if this doesn't work perhaps a different sort of pre-school might help. I love montessori pre-schools but perhaps they do no suit your DS and his personality.

Good luck

My DD started pre-school in January when she had just turned two and settled in very quickly. I'm expecting DS1 in a month so she has been sent a bit earlier than planned. The Montessori nursery in my area doesn't take them until they are 2 but I'm glad I chose the pre-school I did. Does he have a key worker as the local Montessori doesn't really have that system and they do need a mummy replacement IMO at 2. I think lots of sitting in circles/groups is hard for a two year old. At DD's pre-school there are lots of different activities set out for the day and they can wonder round doing them as they choose - very different from the local Montessori school but they do vary in their "Montessoriness".

Try a few more sessions out and see how it goes, maybe explore other nursery/pre-school options too.

Thank you. Unfortunately all the other pre-schools round here are full til September -- I do have his name down for another one so I guess we will give him a few weeks and if he doesn't settle in, take him out and try the other one in Sept.

How is it going. My DS is also a bit quiet and timid when out (but really noisy at home- how does that work?) and was quite upset when i left him at pre-school - 2 afternoons a week for 2 1/2 hours. We started in mid January and in early march the staff there finally said - he isn't so craving of adult attention any more - doesn't just sit on our knees, but goes off and plays with the activities.
It's clearly taken him a while, adn i felt v guilty leaving him crying. But he now seems to get a lot out of it, looks forward to going, and tbh i needed the time with my baby at home so i persisted. it seems to have worked out ok. interesting my DH says he was the same (reportedly) and my mother took him out so he didn't have any education until age 5! So he was keen to allow him time to settle.
he's 2y8 btw