Pros and cons of nursery

The decision over whether to use childcare, and what type, can be a difficult one for parents to make and they need to weigh up the pros and cons of nursery before they decide if it is right for their child and their family.

A government survey found that, in 2023, 72% of children aged 0-4 were in some sort of formal childcare. Nurseries are a very popular choice among these and the pros and cons of nursery are highly subjective.

While there is no one-size-fits all approach, below are some common advantages and disadvantages a child may experience when attending nursery.

What are the pros of nursery?

Nursery offers some important key benefits for both children and their parents. Reliable childcare enables parents to work secure in the knowledge their child is in a safe and structured environment.

Below are some key advantages for children who attend nursery.

Development of social skills

Nurseries offer children excellent social opportunities. Getting along with children their own age, sharing toys and playing make-believe teachers them valuable social skills. These skills include sharing, empathy, team work, conflict resolution, and simply the skills and confidence to make friends. These give children a great start in skills that will be vital as they move to school and through life.

It also gives them important insight into the diversity of people as they learn about others’ interests, families and beliefs.

Company of other children

As well as skill-building, socialisation means children can enjoy playing with children their own age. One-child families are increasing, due to a number of factors, not least the cost of living. In 2023 they made up 45% of families with children and, while there are many advantages to having and being an only child, it can make socialisation less of a given.

When children are very little, they tend to play alongside each other rather than with each other, but they are still watching and learning from their peers.

Early Years education and learning environment

Registered nurseries in the UK follow their country’s national curriculum for early years education. These focus on learning through play, with even the youngest children being supported to meet developmental milestones and build skills.

Nursery environments are also designed to stimulate children’s brains and playing in these, and learning from other children, can further boost their learning and skill development, particularly verbal skills.

Boost in self-regulation skills

A 2021 study by scholars from the University of Oxford found that children aged 2-4 who attended nurseries or pre-schools showed increased behavioural self-regulation and pro-social behaviour, compared to children in informal childcare or at childminders. It also noted fewer peer problems.

Increased confidence and independence

Many aspects of nursery life increase children’s confidence and independence. For example, nurseries support children to learn practical skills and to make their own decisions. This building autonomy alongside social opportunities and problem solving as part of their early years education can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem.

School readiness

Nursery is in many ways similar to attending school. Children are used to the routine of  getting up and ready every day, being away from parents, with lots of other children and taking part in structured activities.

Many nurseries offer pre-school education for children aged two to five years, where they can begin learning numbers and letters. All this can make the transition to starting school easier, and even give children a head start in their education.

What are the cons of nursery?

Although nursery does have many benefits for children, it is important that parents also consider the drawbacks to their child attending a nursery setting.

You spend less time with them

Children attending any sort of childcare, even being looked after by grandparents, will mean you spend less time with them and may even miss some milestones.

On the flip side, a break away from looking after children can be a much-needed balance for many parents, and result in you being healthier, happier and more present when you are together.

Cost

Nursery is expensive and even part-time adds up to several hundred pounds monthly, on average.

The government is expanding financial help for families, including the extension of 15 and 30 funded hours a week in England.

Illness at the beginning

When starting at nursery, children to tend to pick up a lot of common illnesses and bugs. This is because their immune systems are very immature and haven’t been exposed to many germs yet, but are now in close proximity to lots of other children. These illnesses can spread through your household and result in a rough few weeks for everyone.

The good news is that their immune systems get stronger because of it. This gives them better protection from illness at an earlier age.

Opening hours don’t suit shift workers

Nurseries often open early (with breakfast included) and close late enough to give commuting parents plenty of time for collection. However, this is accommodating only for 9-5 (or 8-4 or 10-6) workers, but not parents who work shifts or over the weekend. 24-hour nurseries do exist but they are few and far between.

There are pros and cons to nurseries just like there are for all forms of childcare, formal and informal. In the end what matters is what suits your unique child and your family’s circumstances.