What age is the right age to start nursery?

Choosing the right time for your child to start nursery is a big decision for any parent or carer. While there is no exact right or wrong answer, understanding the benefits of Early Years education and the range of nursery environments available can help you make an informed choice that best supports your child’s development and your family’s needs.

In the UK, children can start nursery as early as a few months old and continue until they start school. Although this might not be the ideal scenario for every parent, having the resources available for families who need support in these early stages has been a significant help to families across the UK.

But what is the right age for your child to start nursery? In this blog, we’ll explore typical age groups, the various types of nursery schools available, and the key developmental and practical factors to consider when making your decision.

Nursery options

Nurseries cater to a range of age groups, from babies to five-year-olds. The main types of nursery settings include:

• Day nurseries: Care for children aged six weeks to five years old, providing a blend of care and learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Preschools: Typically welcome children aged two to five, focusing on early education with gentle and engaging preparation for the school environment.
• Day nurseries and preschools: Combine the functions of both a day nursery and a preschool under one roof (as is the case with the majority of Grandir UK nurseries).
• Specialist nursery settings: Early childhood education settings specifically designed to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

What’s the best age to start nursery?

There is no universal answer to this question; however, many parents choose to send their child to nursery between 6 months and 3 years old. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect across these age groups:

Under 1 year old

After returning from maternity leave, many working parents look for additional support by enrolling their baby in nursery from around six months old. At this tender age, nurseries offer a nurturing environment that brings a sense of calm and security whilst supporting a baby’s sensory and emotional development.

1 to 2 years old

Between the ages of one and two, most children begin exploring the vibrant world around them and learning through play. Attending nursery during this crucial stage nurtures children’s natural curiosity and lays the foundation for strong communication and social skills.

2 to 3 years old

Toddlers aged two to three years old go through important developmental leaps, which can be effectively supported and nurtured within a stimulating and nurturing nursery environment. At this stage, children engage in fun group activities, build relationships with other children, and begin developing new skills through guided play.

3 to 4 years old

This is when children start to prepare for their school year. Many nursery schools focus on fun, gentle and structured learning and routines that help children adapt to the upcoming school environment when they reach compulsory school age.

Funding support to help you choose the right time

At Grandir UK, we know that affordability can play a big part in deciding when and how families access nursery care. That’s why we offer a variety of funding options to support you, including Tax-Free Childcare, 15-hour funding, and 30-hour funding for eligible families. These schemes can make it easier to find high-quality childcare that suits both your child’s developmental stage and your family’s financial needs.

Things to consider

There are some key aspects to consider when choosing the right time for your child to start nursery. These include:

• Your child’s development: Is your child eager to interact, explore, and participate?
• Your routine: Do you need flexible childcare due to work or lifestyle?
• Emotional readiness: Is your child beginning to feel comfortable spending short periods away from you?
• Support: Could nursery help your child gain new skills or adapt to a school environment?

Some families decide to enrol early for socialisation, while others wait until closer to school age. There’s no wrong answer, just what suits your child’s pace and personality.

Supporting your child’s Early Years journey

At Grandir UK, we understand that every child is unique. That’s why our nurseries are here to support families in making the right decision, whether your child joins us at six months old or closer to starting primary school.

If you’d like to learn more about nursery life or talk through what’s best for your child, our Parent Engagement team is always happy to help and guide you through the process.