What Age Should a Child Go To Nursery?

Many UK parents struggle with the appropriate age to send a child off to nursery. While that is certainly an important question, it is subjective and has a lot of variables and there is no simple answer. Children begin nursery at any age before starting primary school at the compulsory school age. When your child or children start nursery, it can be a tough time and it’s normal to feel guilty but it might be time to return to work.

If you are considering sending your child to nursery here are a few things to consider.

The “Right Age” is Child and Family Dependent

There is no real “right” answer to this question. For many, life circumstances demand the child be placed in a nursery, whether the parents like it or not. For others, mental, emotional and physical growth dictate the right age for sending a child to nursery. There are also other factors:

  • The parent’s wishes
  • The child’s personality
  • Financial considerations
  • Other family circumstances

The Goals Oriented Approach

One approach that works for some parents is to outline a slate of goals that your child should achieve by certain ages, bearing any physical or emotional challenges. Each item is matched to the capabilities of a parent to provide the support necessary in helping the child achieve those goals.

When the capabilities of a parent are exceeded, but a goal can be reached by are more organizational approach, a nursery is considered.

Tips for the Goals Approach

This approach requires honesty. A parent or parents must be able to rationally and objectively assess their abilities. In many cases, it is a good idea to have a neutral third party contribute to the assessment and even do it outright.

Economic Realities

In the undercurrent during any deliberations, are economic realities. The UK government funds nursery for children aged three and four.

If a parent (or both) uses up their maternity and paternity leave time, finding third party care may be a necessity in order to pay bills and feed the family. If grandparents are not available, the parents may have no choice but to send their child to nursery.

Determinations by Age

According to the UK Department for Work and Pensions, over 75% of mothers return to work within a year to 18 months of giving birth, either by need or choice. In some cases, the age of the child and the nursery capabilities can help determine if the time is right. There is no right age to start nursery and after maternity or paternity leave, many parents send their child to begin nursery.

There are many benefits to sending your child to nursery including imaginative play, activities and games as well as reading. Early education is an important start to any child’s life.

When looking for a good nursery, there are many things to consider. Daycare nurseries are a valuable solution for parents who need to work full time as nurseries offer childcare.

There are also factors which may make you think if a nursery is a necessity.

2 Years and Less: For example, children up to 2 years of age stretch the abilities of an adult when the number of children exceeds 3. Thus, staffing levels at nurseries coupled with age, is a driver for many parents.

Another consideration is the emotional needs of a child. For a child aged 2 or younger, a nursery is a good idea only if the child has time to return home and acclimate to a “normal” routine. It is important to remember that normal is subjective, but almost every domestic situation is less busy than a nursery.

3 and Up: Most children join nursery between the ages of 2 and 3. Children at these ages have more independence and immersing them in an environment that exposes them to other children is an important part of development. At the least, it prepares them socially for a formal educational setting.

What age is the right age for your child to start nursery? That is up to you. These guidelines, however, can help you choose when and choose a place that will nurture your child through these vital development years.

Contact us at Minnie and Mamma for more information, or if your child is looking for a Nursery in Mitcham.

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