Advice on nursery options
My little girl has been attending a Montessori nursery for a couple of months now, and she absolutely loves it—she looks forward to going every day. The staff have taught her so much already, and we’ve seen a real improvement in her behaviour. (She’s currently being assessed for ADHD/autism.) I’m really happy with the nursery and would love for her to continue there until she starts Reception.
We applied to a primary school nursery and she’s been offered a place for September, but I no longer feel it’s the right fit for her. However, her dad still wants her to go there.
Here are some reasons I want her to stay at the Montessori nursery:
1. The teacher-to-child ratio is excellent (1:4/5), which gives her more attention and support.
2. They keep us updated through an app with daily photos, meal updates, and activity reports.
3. It follows the Montessori approach, which supports independence, emotional and social development, self-discipline, and fosters a genuine love for learning.
4. They provide 1:1 support, which is especially important for her individual needs.
5. Most importantly, she’s happy and thriving there.
The main concerns are:
1. It’s expensive—especially with our second child starting there in September, which will double the costs.
2. Her dad believes attending the primary school nursery will help her adjust more easily when she starts Reception there.
What’s your opinions and what have you chosen for your child?? Thanks so much 🥰
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For me personally, I’m keeping my son at his current setting and not sending him to nursery school in September because I think he will be reception ready in reception. For some children they might need longer to adjust but I’d rather him stay at his current setting where it’s a very relaxed approach, he enjoys it, he’s looked after and learns.
I’m a strong believer in letting children just be the age they are instead of prepping them for the next part of life if that make sense lol.
Also, I don’t want to stress about childcare in the school holidays a year prematurely. His current setting is open all year round so I’m going to take advantage of it until he starts receptions 😅
It’s a hard one.
Have you spoken to the other place on how they’ll support her with her possible support and needs? I think that’s the main thing, but they will have support in place.
Sadly I do think things like costs make it so hard because financially it has a bit implication on a household. And sadly can influence our decisions a lot.
But primary school nursery’s are still very good and it can help with the transition. And a lot will follow Montessori along with a blend of other types of learning. Which I try to follow at home as I think a blended approach works best.
I’ve opted not to go to the primary school nursery purely because at nursery it’s until 6pm which I need for work.
As long as they’re cared for well, in a good environment, surrounded by good people, learning and happy then I’m happy! Children thrive to learn and will do it in any setting given the opportunity. I live in a small village so where he goes is limited (and thankfully good).
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