The Best Time for your Child to Start Nursery

Sending your child off to nursery can be an emotional time, but it’s important for their development to ensure they start at the right time. There are a few things you should consider before making the decision for your child to start nursery. 

Read on to discover when you need to apply for nursery, signs that your child is ready to go to nursery, and what factors impact sending your child to nursery at different stages.

When can a child legally start nursery?

A child can legally start nursery at any point. There are no specific legal restrictions to when you can send a child to nursery, but most nurseries (including Tiddlywinks nursery group) generally accept children from a few months onwards. 

What parents should consider before sending a child to nursery

Before sending your child to nursery, you want to consider your own childcare needs, whether you think your child is ready, and many aspects about the nursery itself:

• Childcare needs – If you’re thinking about sending your child to nursery, it may be because you have work dedications. As a result, you need to consider how often you’ll need childcare and whether you have friends or family members who can take care of the child for you. 

• Child readiness – Depending on the age of your child, consider their emotional maturity, level of independence, and whether you think they may struggle with separation anxiety. 

• Nursery safety and qualifications – Ensure all nursery staff are qualified and passionate about what they do. You can read more about Tiddlywinks ethos and values here. 

• Nursery viewings/tour – Tour your chosen nursery (link to relevant tour blog when live) to evaluate how the environment and premises would suit your child. 

Booking a nursery tour allows you to answer many of the questions above regarding staff suitability and whether the environment and nursery curriculum is right for your child.

The best time for your child to start nursery: A timeline

The best time to start nursery will naturally vary based on your work situation, and the amount of childcare you need. Let’s break down the age ranges at which it might be suitable for your child to start nursery:

• 0 – 12 months – Sending your child to nursery in the first year is usually dictated by maternity or paternity leave. Babies of this age will be cared for in separate rooms to the older children so that it’s a more age-appropriate environment. It’s important to note that nurseries set their own minimum age as well.

• 1 – 2 years – During this period, it’s often beneficial to introduce your child to nursery part time, especially if you think they’re ready for socialising and developing their confidence. 

• 2 – 3 years – Many regard ages 2 – 3 as the most comfortable time for children to start nursery. It’s good for children to start nursery during this time if they’re showing signs of increased social skills and a desire to interact with other children. 

• 3 – 4 years – Ideal for school preparation and becoming used to social interaction with adults and children alike, as well as a classroom-like setting. 

How soon do you need to apply for a nursery place for your child?

For a private nursery, it may be required that you apply for a nursery place anywhere from 9 – 18 months before you know you’ll need a spot. 

This often means applying before your child is even born, and sometimes should be one of the first things you look into if you’re pregnant or even planning on having a baby (particularly if you want to send them to nursery from a young age). 

Signs that your child is ready to start nursery

There are a number of sure signs that indicate your child is ready for nursery:

1. The first of which are behavioural and developmental signs such as increasing independence or social interest. Your child might be starting to do some things for themselves, such as putting their own shoes on, or seeking out interactions with other children or even adults. These are sure signs that your child would be ready for nursery.

2. Another indication is that your child is becoming more comfortable with separation from you. Exploring the world independently doesn’t make them as anxious, meaning they’re more likely to be ready to make friends and learn things for themselves.
3. Finally, routine and focus are key factors which suggest your child is ready for nursery. This might be that they are able to focus on a specific task for longer periods of time, and they’re comfortable with a structured daily routine.

At Tiddlywinks, our goal is to make sure every child feels safe, secure and cared for at our nurseries, no matter when they start.