"Should my child start in Playgroup or Nursery?" is one of the most common questions parents ask before admission. The honest answer is that it depends less on the birthday and more on what your child is ready for.
What Playgroup is for
Playgroup suits younger children who are still settling into being away from home. The day is gentle: songs, stories, simple art, outdoor play and plenty of rest. The focus is on feeling safe and enjoying being around other children, not on letters and numbers.
Children who benefit most from starting here are those who can spend a few hours away from their primary caregiver, and who are still learning to manage separation without too much distress.
What Nursery is for
Nursery is a step up. Children are expected to join in more, follow simple instructions, and there is a real focus on language, early number sense and getting involved in group activities. It suits children who settled quickly in a playgroup, or who are ready for a slightly more structured day.
Signs your child may be ready for a step up
- They settle at a new place within a few minutes rather than crying for the whole session.
- They can follow a simple instruction like "come and sit" or "put your shoes away".
- They enjoy being around other children rather than preferring to play alone.
- They are comfortable being apart from you for a few hours.
How to decide
Call the school and tell them your child's exact age. They will ask about these same points and give you a straight answer. There is no prize for starting earlier, and no penalty for starting later. A child who is not ready tends to struggle and can end up disliking school.
What the first weeks look like
Expect some crying in the first week, especially at drop-off. This is normal and it usually settles within a few days. Practise a short, cheerful goodbye: say when you will be back, and then leave. A long, drawn-out goodbye makes it harder, not easier.
At home, keep the routine close to the school day: similar meal times, an early night the evening before, and a calm morning. The first month goes much more smoothly when home and school feel consistent.
One thing worth doing
Before the first day, visit the school with your child. Let them see the classroom, meet a teacher and find the bathroom. Familiarity on that first morning makes a real difference.