Children who haven't gone to nursery before primary school?

[pebbles]

I'm a SAHM and my 3 yr old son currently goes to a fabulous childminder 2 days a week. We live on Friern Rd and so his name is down for Goodrich (ok chance) and Heber (no chance at all) Nurseries. Having spoken with Goodrich and a few families around me I'm beginning to realise that our chances of his getting into the Nursery this January (we find out in Nov) is pretty slim.

So my question is, what should I do? I and he loves his childminder and obviously I also look after him 3 days a week however I'm worried that he'll lose out if he doesn't go to nursery before going to primary school (he's a Sept bday if that makes any difference - however is a typical boy who spoke late but is catching up now).

If he doesn't get into Goodrich (I've phoned around other state school nurseries but have been told i definitely wouldn't be in catchment area) would you keep him at a childminder where he is extremely happy until he goes to Primary or would you try to get him in anywhere for the "nursery experience" bearing in mind his name isn't down at the longer day nurseries as we've never needed it?

What are the waiting lists like for Buds and the other shorter day nurseries?

Any advice muchly appreciated

[Goodliz]

There is one called Magic Moments which is supposed to be lovely. It does half days I think. Do a search on this site as I am sure other people have mentioned it too.

I imagine lots of kids go from childminder to school and do fine. Kids are so adaptable.

I'll cross my fingers for you about Goodrich. My son goes and it is lovely.

[talvinder]

Hi, dont think your chances are as slim as you think, you should be ok getting into goodrich nursery if you live on friern rd, although as a back up plan mother goose nursery on upland rd is a lovely nursery and they do half days if the flexibility is available, I would advise not to let him miss out on the nursery experiance I personally think it helps when they reach school!!good luck

[BEANIE1]

Hi pebbles, Goodrich is meant to be lovely for nursery. I have been a teacher for 15 years (much of it in nursery and reception) and I can honestly say that if your son is happy with his childminder, then it might be a good idea to keep him where he is. As long as he has experience of being away from you and lots of time to mix with other kids (one o'clock clubs, stay and play sessions in childrens centres etc) then moving onto school in the Reception year should not be too much of a problem. For many children being in a class of 26 3 and 4 year olds for a morning or an afternoon each day may not be the best way forward. I am not knocking nursery education, when it is good and can be fantastic for a child. Many areas outside of London have little or no state nursery and the children do perfectly well. Sorry to waffle on!

[Growlybear]

I would do whatever you think your son will be happiest with, which sounds like the childminder you have at the moment. I really don't think it is necessary for children to go to nursery before starting school. When my daughter was 4 I gave into pressure from other people who kept telling me I should send her to nursery, and sent her for two afternoons a week for the term before she started primary school; she hated every second, and I really don't think she gained anything from the experience.

[ludoscotts]

hi like growly bear said you know your son best and what would make him happiest but it might be worth putting his name down at the dulwich pre-school incase you dont get in to Goodrich and Heber if you do decide to send him to nursery.

we had our daughters name down at dulwich village pre-school for around 6 months before she got offered a place. She started this sept and loves it. Up until now she hasnt had any child care from anyone except me and my husband and I was worried about how she would settle but she can get enough of it. We have to drag her away at the end of the sessions, you can go half or full days and from 3 yrs old they can stay for lunch if you want them to so it extends the session for you and them.

There is a lovely garden for them to play in with pirate ship and veg plot etc.

The atmosphere is lovely and my daughter rabbits away about what she has been doing etc(planting crocus's last week!)

It really is worth checking out.

Its opposite the riding school on the south circular in the old alleyan rugby club house.

This means it looks out over fields and the children can go out and play on the terrace even if its raining so fresh air most days etc.

I cant rate it high enough.

good luck with whatever you decide.

[Gubodge]

I think the September birthday can make a difference. I know a couple of people who have summer born children who were in January intakes at school. The parents feel that the children who went to the pre-school nurseries caught up quicker with their September intake peers. My daughter is at Goodrich nursery and will being starting reception in January. She knows all the Jolly Phonics songs and will be started on the very early stages of a reading scheme after half term, so when she goes up to reception she will only be half a term 'behind'. It's all done in a very relaxed manner, and if you asked my daughter if she was being taught anything she would look at me blankly, which is as it should be, but it is all very good preparation for real school.

Obviously this will not apply to your son, as he will be one of the eldest in the year, but it might be useful to anyone else in a similar situation.

 

[pebbles]

Thanks everyone for recommendations - I'm going to phone DV pre school and also Magic Moments but still have my fingers crossed from Goodrich - I thought the hassle only started at Primary School entry!!!

[Pickle]

Pebbles, my kids are at Magic Moments 2 mornings a week, and my son will be 4 in January. I have my fingers crossed for a Goodrich nursery place for him in January, as while Magic Moments is absolutely lovely I don't think it really prepares them for school - it's just a creche, so they're only there for 2 hours, so it'll still be a huge shock to go from that to reception. Most kids there use it as a natural stepping stone to nursery, and my son is one of the oldest there.

Good luck for the Goodrich place, I know loads of kids that are there and love it.

P x