Nursery is confusing me..

[GinaG3]

I do not know what I'm doing at all when it comes to all this. Definitely my biggest parenting dilemma so far. My daughter will be 3 in February, she is eligible for a early years place in April 2011. Should she be on a waiting list somewhere already? If so, she isnt! What do I do?

Had anyone forgone nursery and kept the child out of education until school age? I'm 50-50 on what to do. She is very intelligent for her age and is advanced for a 2 year old (this comes from my aunty who has worked with 2 year olds for 10 years plus) so in a way I feel we dont need to do it as such. But its the social aspect I'm more concerned about, for reasons personal to me I dont do much with her outside of the house by means of baby groups and etc. Although we do get back during the week to nana's house or shops etc. I'd love her to have the social skills she so badly needs now, being an only child.

Someone explain all this to me, because it all just seems confusing to me. I dont know what I do or even where to start. Southwark council website is terrible for research, its here there and everywhere and no very informative.

Thanks all ED mummies!

x

[Helen GV]

I think that you will need to apply to a private nursery if you want her to start April as the school ones seem to be taking children in September only. Otherwise just apply for a school nursery from the following September which gives you more time to think about it anyway?

You could try magic moments creche, not used it BUT heard so many good things about it, short hours may suit too.

Hope you get more replies, my experience with nurseries is just beginning as my little boy has just started, and for what it's worth, he loves it so far.

[Monkey]

You should apply to your local schools' nurseries. All you need to do is ring them up or visit them, fill in the form and wait to see if they have a space for you in September. I think you need to do that now.

The other options is private nurseries: asquiths, mother goose, gumboots and the likes. I too have heard good things about magic moments. I also heard good things about the Montessori nursery in dulwich. Forgot what it's called, sorry.

I personally think that school nurseries are good especially if you don't work full time and can do the pick up and drop offs.

I hope this helps!

[Saffron]

Hi GinaG3. Children don't necessarily need social interaction with their peers in order to develop good social skills. Indeed there's some evidence to suggest that social interaction with adults may be of more benefit to children. So if you and Nana and other adults are interacting with your LO on a daily basis, then you're doing a great job.

Of course that's not to say that your LO wouldn't enjoy nursery time with her peers. If you've not been frequenting toddler groups, probably starting nursery part time to begin is a good idea. I agree with the advice others have given you herein.

And please feel free to come along to meet up with other parents and their only children at one of our informal gatherings. http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,734309

PM me for details. xx

[GinaG3]

Thanks to everyone, very helpful. Im so out of my depth! Do most places take the early years entitlement, 15 hours a week would be perfect, 5 days a week for mornings or 3 days a week for 5 hours. Would love her to to montessori, as I did when I was little. Will be moving in April, so unsure where we will end up and might be far away from chosen nursery if I pick in April.

Saff seen your thread before, it does appeal to me but I always feel completely out of place with others in the area. Never feel welcome being a young teenage mum. Tried groups before and sat secluded with my LO. I'm a 40 year old in a 21 year olds body, seriously! If I pluck up the courage maybe I will doing something sometime soon. :-)

[Ruth_Baldock]

Gina, we are in a similar boat re: nursery dilemmas. I also felt like you re: groups and often did feel excluded- I'm not "young" anymore but when seb was born I was 24 but looked a hell of a lot younger. I remember how bloody hard and disconcerting it was; 20 or 40 we are all in the same boat really. I have a whole arsenal of excellent and non judgy groups, will FB you later if you like.

I also totally agree w/ everything Saffron said and would go along to the single parents meet up- I've not met many of th mums who are going along but I've met Saffron (and mini saff!) and they're both absolutely lovely :)

[Cora]

Amott Road nursery is worth having a look. It is parent run which means they have professionals looking after the children but ask for parental involvement. This makes it a cheap and rewarding alternative. They may well have places for 3yrs olds in April. Their sessions are mornings only.