As a parent, you want to make sure you do the best thing for your child. So, it can be a big decision when choosing whether to send them to a nursery or a playgroup and at what age.
While it isn’t mandatory to send your child to nursery, there are certainly many benefits of doing so. Research suggests that nursery is beneficial for helping children develop their social and everyday skills. Meanwhile, staying at home can lead to poorer speech and movement.
We believe that nursery is an important stage in the early development of a child. Here are just a few of the benefits of nursery and preschool education.
Develops their social skills
Socialising and communicating is one of the most important aspects of child development. Learning how to interact with other children and adults is a vital skill that will prepare them for school and adult life.
At nursery or preschool, they will learn how to play with other children, make friends and share. Through a wide range of activities, they will also learn to listen, express themselves and their feelings.
Gives them independence
Nursery or preschool may be the first time your child has ever been away from home for a full day. They will be in a completely new environment with children and adults they aren’t familiar with.
This will allow them to explore, try out new things and learn from others. They will also be encouraged to do simple daily tasks such as hanging up their coat or pouring a drink.
As they begin to master new skills and take on responsibility, this will boost their confidence and they will see themselves as capable.
Prepares them for school
There is no doubt that attending nursery or preschool is a great way of preparing your child for school. By starting the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Framework at nursery, this will equip them with the learning required to succeed at school.
Nursery and preschool will also give children an understanding of how a day is structured, with periods for learning and breaks for lunch and play. Whilst school will be different, they will know what to expect and be more prepared.
Improves attention span
Another benefit of nursery education is that it encourages children to be curious and interested in discovering new things. With a development program that enables them to engage with many different activities, they will develop the ability to listen and take part.
At Little Angels, our development program is designed to nourish and stimulate their minds. From music to cooking class, they will be exposed to new experiences and will learn to listen, participate in group tasks, follow instructions and work independently.
Builds physical stamina
At nursery or preschool, your child will be kept busy and active with an action-packed schedule. This can include participating in activities, playing with other children and going on outings.
It is hugely beneficial for a child to be active from a young age and will be more likely that they will remain active in later life. We encourage our children at Little Angels to get moving through activities such as stretch-n-grow and yoga.
These activities help to develop muscle control, balance and coordination. They will also prepare your child for running around the playground at school and taking part in physical education.
Beneficial for parents too
While nursery or preschool education has many benefits for children, it can also help you as a parent. It can seem daunting to send your child off to nursery for the day, but having some time apart is good for both parents and children.
You will feel more relaxed and can also spend more quality time with your children when they are at home, rather than being with them all the time.
It also prepares you and your child for when they start school and you will also be spending less time together.
Little Angels 24/7
Little Angels opened its doors in the 1990s when Mariam, a mother of two daughters, Azi and Kati, turned a blossoming passion for childcare into a comprehensive service for parents and guardians.
We are a network of family-run, home away from home settings where children can spread their wings and develop into wonderful little individuals.
If you’re interested in finding out more, please get in touch or book a tour with us, either through video or in-person.