2yo & starting to think about nurseries - please help

[monkeysmama]

My 2yo is very keen to start at nursery.

I have spoken to a few people locally and have two recommendations but am not sure how it all works . One of the recommended places has a website which suggests it only takes kids from 3 onwards.

Do I just select a few (I've looked at my local council website) and call and ask to go and see them?

Thanks very much - any pointers very appreciated.

Yes, viewing some would be the best place to start.
You also need to think about what sort of nurseries they are. I'm assuming from your post that you don't want nursery for the childcare element so you would probably want to look at playgroups/pre-schools that offer 2.5/3 hours sessions rather than the daycare type nurseries that are more set up to take children all day.

Places vary as to what age they take children from. Round here it's commonly 2.5 or 3, but it certainly doesn't hurt to look round now and get your child on any waiting list!

Thanks Redsky - will start ringing round. Is this a silly time of year to start?

Good time of year to start. Nurseries tend to have a good clear-out of children in September as they leave for school. Many leave at the start of the school holidays because siblings at school are off as well. Starting at a nursery when there are fewer children means it's easier for staff to pay more attention to settling in the new children.

Nurseries are also more fun in the summer.

I too think its a great time of year to start. However, forget the ringing around, just take DC with you and knock on the door. If should be happy for you just to turn up, if they aren't then I'd try somewhere else.

Really? Will there be someone with the time for a chat/tour if I don't book it in? Can see why that is a good idea though.

If there isn't someone available for a chat and tour ad hoc, they should at least let you see the room and book you in for a tour. I'm looking for a new pre-school for DD and will be doing the knocking on doors next week.

I went and looked at one last week for my 2yr old, we're looking for her to start in September.

Manager was there and showed me round / talked me through the day and my DD was able to play and join in for the 1/2 hour we were there.

I would definitely call first, just polite IMO...

I can see where you are coming from on the being polite front, but from personal experience what you get shown after you have called and just turning up can be very different.

Does your 2 year old have any idea what starting nursery means? At her age she can't possibly have any concept of the emotions involved in moving from being cared for at home to being in a group childcare setting.

Does she need to be put in childcare or do you think she's missing out if you don't send her?

Wouldn't she get just as much social benefit from being at toddler groups with you?

If she decides that she doesn't like it would you take her out again?

If you're sure about going ahead I'd look around lots and lots of settings to get a good feel for what would be right for your DD.

Settings can vary greatly in their ethos and those who focus closely on cuddles, reassurance, flexibility to fit the child's needs and interests are the ones where she will learn and develop the best. I know it sounds odd but those who focus heavily on educational activities like music, language and reading can actually support their learning dispositions less well. Children need to feel safe and happy and be able to follow their own interests to organise their own learning.

Imaginative, flexible play resources which the children can help themselves to and mix and match to suit their play are really important.

Monkeymama, how did you get on? Is your DC still interested in Nursery?

I tend to agree with Alison in that they can ask for things without necessarily understanding the implications. Moving from homecare is a big step which is why some places will only accept children aged 3 and above.