Is My Child Ready for Nursery?

This is a question thousands of parents ask themselves every year. There’s no simple answer to the question and for many, the right age is when parental leave ends. For some, the age of admission is later – at 3 or 4 in preparation for full-time school.

Few children don’t thrive in a nursery setting. That’s the important thing to remember. Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing as children need time to adjust and to become used to a new environment, but for most, nursery is a wonderfully fulfilling period in their lives.

Ask yourself the following questions when trying to work out if now is a good time for them to begin nursery.

• Do they have some independence? 
• Have they already spent some time away from you?
• Are they happy in the company of other children?
• Do they enjoy group activities?
• Do they have enough stamina?

If you can answer yes to at least three of these questions, then your child will probably be just fine in nursery.

Nursery staff are highly trained and are used to dealing with the issues which might arise for a child new to the setting. Pastoral care is at the heart of any good nursery – this Montessori nursery in Twickenham, for example, carefully teach their small pupils about grace, courtesy, empathy and resilience. 

Even if your child has a few hiccups, they will have a tried and tested solution to help your child feel happier.

The most common issues for children who are just starting nursery are as follows.

• Separation anxiety
• Toileting
• Biting
• Tiredness

All of these are perfectly normal for some children – whilst others may not have issues with any of the above, or just with some, there are plenty who might have problems with all of them.

Keeping an open mind and working with staff will mean your child has more chance of settling quickly.

How to prepare your child

Talk to your child in a positive way about nursery. Don’t over-focus on it though, small children are very good at sensing your anxiety so be sure not to talk about it too much.

Take them on a visit during an open day. This will be a fun and positive experience and one in which you can share as a parent.

They will know what to expect and can talk about the setting with you after their visit.

Above all, remember that this is their first foray into the world at large and as an individual so it may take time for them to settle down.