Education plays an important role in society. Without education there would be no growth and development of society. In true sense, education is the most important assert of the society, the real life blood of the society. But where does it all start?
Children play - and throughout these important early years, they learn especially through playing: with their peers, with adults or simply by themselves. Many studies suggest that early schooling matters for most children. In fact, they defend that attending a good preschool has a huge impact on children's academic progress. A high quality preschool followed by an academically effective primary school gives children's development a significant boost, some researchers found.
At primary school the quality of teaching affects both children's social behaviour and intellectual development. This is why at Kids 1st we truly believe that the experiences children receive in their formative years are crucial to their future development. The key to nursery education is to provide children with a warm, safe environment where they feel comfortable to explore. And it’s through exploring that a child will learn. At Kids 1st we don’t believe in pushing a child to learn when they are not ready. They have years and years of formal education ahead of them. What we do believe in is giving children the tools they need for school and letting them learn both indoors and outdoors.
So you may be asking yourself why you should send your child to nursery. We'd like to help you in making that decision by informing you of the benefits:
1. Nursery prepares your child for school - Not only do children benefit massively from interaction with other children during these early years, but they become more prepared and better equipped when it comes to starting school. They will also adapt easily to a learning environment.
2. Nursery encourages playtime - Your child will have a chance to play and learn in a group and one-to-one with a member of staff. They will also benefit from playing with other children, as this can help them to gain confidence and develop their social skills. An active toddler is likely to remain active later, so it is important to encourage activities both indoors and outdoors. You want your children to love the great outdoors, not the TV, one thing you don’t see at a nursery is a television. Play is vitally important as your children will develop muscle control, balance and coordination.
3. Nursery supports potty training - If you send your children to nursery for several days a week, potty training may prove to be easier. Potty training is obviously not a sole reason to send your children to nursery, but in terms of general lifestyle assistance, every little helps.
4. Nursery helps children develop social skills and make friends - Socialising with other children is vital for your child’s successful development. They will be eager to engage with their peers and become aware of the attachment they feel towards children they regularly play with. Nothing that you can do can make up for the excitement that other children provide.
On top of these, there's another great reason to send your child to nursery. If one of the reasons you are not sending them to nursery is due to the cost, see if you can get help. Some employers will provide childcare vouchers, so check with your human resources department to see if you can get help. Many parents can also get extra help with the costs of approved or registered childcare through tax credits. All three-year-olds and four-year-olds in the UK are entitled to a minimum of 15 hours of free early education for 38 weeks a year. So when it comes to determining whether they will benefit from being sent to a nursery, take a look at the overall quality of the environment, staff, learning and activities which they will be offered as this is the most important thing to consider.
If you are still anxious about sending your child to nursery you can also speak to other parents, visit the nursery unexpectedly, make sure staff turnover isn’t high and talk to the people actually caring for their child, not just the Manager.
