Children aren’t required to be in compulsory education until the term after they turn five, but many parents choose to send their children to nursery or pre-school first. The first five years are crucial for a child’s development, including their social skills, cognitive development and language, and pre-school can play an important role.
Pre-school isn’t compulsory for children, but there are many benefits to be gained from attending. The type of childcare you choose is a highly personal choice, but if you want to know more about the benefits of pre-school for your child, see below for our handy guide.
Improved cognitive development
Studies have shown that children who attend pre-school start primary school with a cognitive advantage. The longer children attend (in terms of months and years, rather than hours), the greater the advantage. Pre-school allows children to play, problem solve, experiment and learn in a safe environment; all of which are key for cognitive development.
Building relationships
Pre-school offers a safe, secure environment where children can interact with both other children and adults. Building relationships with their peers and adults outside of their immediate family is great for children’s social development and it can help with their confidence. Building relationships naturally leads to the development of vital social skills, such as sharing, listening and cooperating.
Communication skills
Children develop communication skills by listening and interacting with others and it’s fundamental to their development. Pre-school gives children the opportunity to interact with their peers and adults on a daily basis, helping them to develop their language, listening skills and how they respond to others.
Preparation for primary school
The jump to primary school can be a big adjustment for some children, but studies show that attending pre-school can ease the transition. Pre-school days tend to be more structured than nursery so children will have a clearer idea of what to expect when they start primary school. Many children also feel more confident and outgoing after attending pre-school which helps them manage the transition.
If you’re looking for a supportive, nurturing pre-school for your child in Hedge End or Eastleigh, get in touch with the team at Little Acorns Children’s Day Nursery. Our pre-school sessions room is suitable for children aged two years, nine months up to five years old. We offer access to both indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as structured, supervised computer use and regular charity and event days. We pride ourselves on providing a more structured environment that’s both supportive and fun, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.