STAYING FOR NURSERY

Nursery At Primary School vs. Private Nursery Like De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery

So you finally get your child settled into the perfect nursery. They make friends, they love the staff, it’s close to home and work, you feel confident that they’re happy. The situation couldn’t be better.


But then they get a bit older and other mums start talking about moving their children to a school nursery.


Now you have questions and a whole new dilemma.


“Does my child have to move now?”

“Can my child stay at their current nursery?”

“How is private nursery different to nursery at a school?”

“What can I do to make sure my child has the best start to school?”


There’s a lot of confusion around moving to nursery so below is a guide to what it is, why it matters, and why it doesn’t have to be the upheaval you may be dreading.

Everything You Need To Know!

Most children begin school at the start of the school year in which they turn five, so when your child is three you may begin researching local primary schools and making your application.


Most primary schools also offer nursery education for children aged 3-4 years old and may suggest you move your child there before you make your school application. But is this right for your child? Let’s explore your options.

  • What’s the difference between a private nursery and a primary school nursery?

    Private nurseries (like De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery) and nurseries attached to schools both follow the same Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines which impact on the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years.


    However, there are differences.


    Private nurseries run their nursery sessions based on the individual interests and needs of each child. The staff continuously observes each child and then offers educational activities that help them progress and succeed.


    In contrast, school nurseries follow topic-led teaching that might not be of interest to your child – and if they’re not interested, they’re less likely to get involved and enjoy learning.

  • What about funding and availability of childcare?

    Private nurseries and school nurseries receive funding for 15 hours a week for children aged

    3-4.


    However, most school nurseries do not offer 30 hours free funding and they only provide morning or afternoon sessions - you don’t even get to choose which! You won’t be able to pay for extra hours or stay beyond your 15 hours funding. If you move your child because of the convenience, as they have an older sibling at the school, you’ll actually find yourself doing three school runs –in the morning, at lunchtime and in the afternoon!


    Very few school nurseries offer flexible hours whereas most private nurseries are very flexible with timings. De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery opens from 8am until 3pm and as you know we are fully flexible with your child’s hours. We also offer 30 hours free funding and a breakfast club.

  • What about the staff ratios?

    When children are aged between 3 and 5 years old, primary school nurseries are required to have just one adult per 13 children. That means there are 26 children with only two adults!


    In private nurseries, including De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery, the required ratio is one adult to every eight children. At De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery it’s actually one adult to every 6 children – that’s twice as many qualified adults as most school nurseries which gives your child a much more personalised and nurturing experience.

  • But the school said my child needs to move now to make friends before they start reception class?

    Have you ever been to a parent and toddler group and by the time you leave, your little one is firm friends with another child? It doesn’t take long for children to build strong relationships. Children are naturally friendly and curious – they will approach their peers and make friends with ease. Do not be put under pressure and made to feel guilty about

    keeping your child at a private nursery where they are already happy and confident.

  • Will my child lose their place at the school if I don’t move them?

    The school doesn’t make the decision about who is accepted into school! That decision is made at the Local Authority level and by law cannot have anything to do with where a child attended nursery. In fact, we know of many cases where a parent has moved their child to a school nursery only to discover that they don’t then get a place at that school!

  • What about having a key person?

    At a private nursery, your child will be paired with a qualified adult of their choosing – someone they naturally connect and feel comfortable with. This person will become your child’s key worker and remain your main contact throughout their time at the nursery.


    At school nurseries, no such scheme is in place – and with only one adult for every 13 children, it’s impossible to give the same personal level of attention.

  • I have already accepted a school nursery place. Do I have to take it up or can I keep my child at De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery?

    You do not have to take up a school nursery place even if you’ve already accepted it. You are entirely within your rights to change your mind at any time. In fact, we have had many children over the years start at school nursery only to move back to us when they found it wasn’t suitable or they didn’t settle. That’s ok too! If you change your mind and decide to keep your child with us, all you have to do is inform the school nursery that you no longer want the place. As explained above, it will not affect your child’s chances of getting a place at the school.

  • So what are the benefits of my child staying at De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery for nursery?

    Your child is settled: Settling your child into nursery was a stressful time for both of you – and now being able to drop them off at nursery and leave them smiling and waving is a big relief for a parent. So why put yourself and your child through the stress of an unnecessary move to another nursery?


    Our teachers are early years specialists and relevantly qualified: De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery staff are fully qualified and experienced in early years teaching practice. They are specialists in this age group and champion the importance of the EYFS ethos of learning through play.


    Excellent resources: Budgets are tight in primary education – not many schools have the money for extensive specific early years resources but instead share with the whole school. De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery regularly invests in new, age appropriate equipment and resources to keep children entertained and challenged.


    Suitable and dedicated environment: De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery provides a campus environment dedicated to early years children. We have 3 nursery rooms and unparalleled access to 3 separate and bespoke outdoor areas.

Questions To Ask Before Deciding Between A School Nursery and De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery

What is the staff to children ratio?

Will my child get help going to the toilet if needed?

What if a child has an accident? Who will help them? How many staff will be left with the

other children during that time?

What early years qualifications, experience and training do the staff have?

Does the school nursery have a suitable environment, resources and equipment for three and four-year-old children?

Do the children have open and free flowing access to an outdoor space? Or are they limited to a break time like the rest of the school?

What hours will my child be offered? Will it be a morning place or an afternoon place?


If your child is settled and happy at De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery, you don’t need to move them to a nursery at a primary school. And you don’t need to feel guilty about it! Continuity of care is so important to a child’s development: By staying at De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery they will continue to receive outstanding education and personalised care from qualified staff (who know and love them!) in a much more suitable environment.


De Havilland Pre-School & Nursery employs qualified and specialist early years teachers to help get children school ready so they start reception confident and happy. Listen to your instincts and go with your gut. What’s best for your child? Talk to their key worker who will be able to discuss the individual needs of your child with you and whether those needs would be best served by staying with us for nursery.