All change
Once your little one reaches three years old there are new opportunities opening for them. No longer confined to mummy and me sessions, they can now begin to step away and discover the world on their own terms, for a while.

The real benefits of nursery or pre-school are not confined to the academic training of young minds, but rather the chance to mix with other children – to develop their own will and learn to create personal boundaries. Suddenly they do not have ‘mind-reader mummy’ on hand to solve every problem, meaning language skills grow, communication techniques develop and personalities have the chance to flourish.

Getting social
Social skills are honed in the group setting – learning to share, to wait, to take turns and to give space to others are not natural skills in infants and, for many children, they will continue to be a challenge. So, practice – in a guided setting with experienced play workers – is invaluable.

The nursery setting can also support the early detection of any blocks or challenges that you may have missed. My daughter was diagnosed with a speech issue at two years old and her nursery gave her speech therapy to support her development. At the same time she befriended a boy with profound deafness. She wore a speech box and he wore an earpiece, and they were inseparable – what a wonderful experience for her, one she’s never forgotten.

Freedom
Free play is a wonderful gift for children, and the resources available at a good pre-school are priceless. Opportunities for painting, craft, growing seeds and cooking blend seamlessly with the development of gross motor skills using climbing frames, ball games, ball pits and bicycles.

Nurseries also offer educational trips too – featuring everything from a trip to a local supermarket to learn about produce, to a trip to a farm park or visitor centre. A simple mini-bus to the park can be madly exciting for little ones, and sharing new experiences – and yummy picnic lunches – with your friends is a big day out when you are three!

As you choose your placement you will no doubt consider the childcare aspect as well as the facilities. Take your time to visit a few and observe both your child at play and the staff involvement to find the best fit. Don’t be swayed by reputation – I moved my daughter from an ‘Independent Nursery’ to an ‘Early Years Centre’ and discovered a much better environment for my child. Trust your gut and your child – they will soon let you know what works and what doesn’t. Even a three-mile house move couldn’t persuade me to remove my daughter from her wonderful nursery, until school started.

Life- long learning
And while little one is in nursery, why not indulge in a little ‘Life Long Learning’ for yourself? Many family centres offer parenting, education or skills courses and it’s a great way to build your support network and pick up a few top tips. And, let’s face it, we can always do with some of those!