There comes a time in every toddler’s life when the stimulation of play and learning at home reaches a plateau.
They need to develop their cognitive and non-cognitive education and social skills outside of the house.
Sending your little one to nursery is daunting and nerve-wracking.
Yet, it’s the best decision you can make for your child at this age. Nursery school enhances critical everyday skills and natural development through play and interacting with other children their age.
With the impact of Covid-19 sweeping the UK, the thought of sending your child to a place where they could potentially catch the virus is terrifying.
With daily updates telling us to Stay Home, Protect the NHS, and Save Lives, it’s no wonder we’ve seen a decrease in nursery school attendance.
However, although the National Lockdown of January 2021 saw the closure of schools, colleges, and universities, nurseries have been allowed to stay open.
So, you might be asking why they have been forgotten in these latest measures to curb the effects of COVID-19.
The answer is: they have not.
Nursery schools are deemed very low risk in terms of Coronavirus transmission, with younger children having “the lowest admission rates to hospital” in comparison “to other age groups.”
Also, government advice suggests that nurseries are “less likely to pass on the coronavirus to older children” or adults, and therefore are safe to keep open.
Furthermore, child care and nurseries are considered necessary for the continued development of children and their parents’ mental well-being. Continued isolation will likely have a detrimental effect on both parties.
With all that in mind, we’re exploring a further five reasons you should enrol your kiddie-wink at a nursery school:
They Learn From One Another
Children learn through interactions with other children and adults outside of their family home.
Regular contact with other children helps toddlers develop and improve their social competence, making them more confident and independent.
Skills such as sharing, listening, and understanding other people and the consequences of their actions are also all developed through playing with others.
Improved Concentration
Early years education improves children’s attention spans, enabling them to better follow instructions, listen, work independently, and as a team.
Physical, Mand Emotional Benefits
Children who attend nursery before heading to Primary school have a better foundation to cope with any physical, mental, or emotional situations that may present themselves later in life.
Enhances Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Of course, it goes without saying that nursery isn’t just about social interactions and play.
Children also develop their literacy and numeracy skills by listening to stories, drawing, and counting.
Establishing a Daily Routine
Setting a daily routine at an early age not only helps children feel safe and secure, but it also prepares them for those early starts once they start school.
Final Thoughts
Nursery school is an essential part of any child’s education by preparing them for academic teaching, social situations, and more importantly, becoming a kind and caring little human.
Credit: Produced in collaboration with HR Consultancy Birmingham: Nectar HR.