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There are many reasons why parents choose to send their children to nursery. Some need the additional childcare due to work commitments and others want to develop their child’s learning and social skills. Of course there are both pros and cons to nursery, and it is up to parents to decide if it is the right option for their child.
To help you make up your mind about nursery, here are some thoughts and advice from Taunton School in Somerset…
Prepare For School
You might choose to send your child to nursery to help prepare them for school. At nursery they will start to experience a structured learning environment and most importantly, learn to be away from you for an extended period of time. Nursery staff are usually assigned to individual children, in order to monitor and record their progress. They also ensure that all children can play and learn together in a safe and happy environment.
Opportunities
There are lots of resources available at nurseries that you may not be able to provide at home, meaning your child will have more learning opportunities. Furthermore, playing and learning in an environment where there are lots of other children will help your child develop essential social skills, such as sharing, taking it in turns and general communication. As a result, your child will feel more confident when they move on to school.
The Bad Points
Of course, sending your child to nursery can have its drawbacks. For example some nurseries are not flexible when it comes to session days and times. This is important to check if you only wish to book one or two sessions a week. Another important factor is term dates. Many nurseries close for the school holidays, which can be around six weeks in the summer. For working parents these periods will need to be covered by additional childcare. Finally, you will need to prepare yourself for more germs and viruses, such as colds and tummy bugs. This is because of the close contact with other children.
Weigh It Up
It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of sending your child to nursery to determine if it is the right decision for your child. If you are unsure whether your child is ready for nursery, but you would like to introduce them to other children, you could look into local parent and baby groups. These groups will provide an opportunity for your child to socialise with other children and learn through activities such as music and dance, while you are still close by.
