Deciding whether to transition your child from a nursery to a local school preschool is a choice many parents face as their little ones approach school age. While the prospect of moving over to a school earlier can be exciting, it’s important to consider the benefits of staying in nursery for a bit longer. In this blog, we will be exploring the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of keeping your child in nursery instead of making the switch to a local preschool, so you can make the choice that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.
Pros of Sending Your Child to a Local School Preschool
- Seamless Transition to Primary School – Attending a preschool attached to a local school can help children become familiar with the environment, routines, and possibly the teachers they will have in Reception, making the transition smoother.
- Stronger Peer Relationships – Children may form friendships with peers who will be in their class when they start formal schooling, fostering continuity in social connections.
- Free Government-Funded Hours – Most school based preschools offer funded places for 3 and 4 year olds, potentially reducing childcare costs for parents.
- Early Exposure to School Structure – School preschools often have a more structured day, which can help children get used to the expectations and routines of a formal school setting.
- Specialist Early Years Staff – Many school preschools have qualified early years teachers who focus on school readiness, providing a strong educational foundation.
Cons of Sending Your Child to a Local School Preschool
- Shorter Hours and Less Flexibility – School based preschools typically follow school term times and may not offer extended hours, making it challenging for working parents who require year-round childcare.
- Larger Class Sizes – School preschools may have larger groups of children, meaning less one-on-one attention compared to a nursery environment.
- Less Focus on Individual Development – With a greater focus on preparing children for school routines, some school based settings may not offer as much individualised learning and care as a nursery does.
- Limited Play-Based Learning – While school preschools do offer play based learning, they might be more academically structured, whereas nurseries often provide a broader mix of free play and structured learning.
- Potentially Disruptive Transition – If a child is already settled in a nursery like Monkey Puzzle, moving them to a school preschool may cause disruption and emotional adjustment issues.
Pros of Staying at a Monkey Puzzle Nursery
- Continuity and Stability – Keeping your child in a familiar environment with known teachers and friends helps with emotional security and reduces the stress of adjusting to a new setting.
- Smaller Class Sizes and More Individual Attention – Nurseries tend to have lower child-to-staff ratios, allowing for more personalised learning and care.
- Flexible Hours and Year-Round Care – Unlike school preschools, Monkey Puzzle provides care throughout the year with extended hours to support working parents.
- Holistic Development Approach – Nurseries often take a child-led approach to learning, ensuring that children develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment.
- Comprehensive School Readiness Programme – Nurseries like Monkey Puzzle provide structured school readiness activities while still maintaining a play-based, nurturing approach.
Cons of Staying at a Nursery
- Potential Transition to a New School Environment – When a child moves from nursery to Reception, they may have to adjust to a new setting, whereas school preschools provide continuity.
- Possibly Higher Costs – Depending on funding availability and nursery fees, staying in a nursery could be more expensive compared to a school preschool offering free hours.
- Fewer Links to Local Schools – School preschools may have stronger ties with local primary schools, whereas nurseries work independently, meaning some families worry about transitioning into school.
Both options have their benefits, but staying at Monkey Puzzle ensures continuity, stability, and personalised support, which can be incredibly beneficial for your child’s confidence and development. Transitioning within the same setting allows children to thrive in a familiar environment, reducing anxiety and making school readiness a seamless process.
