Pros and cons of nurseries

What are the pros of using a nursery for childcare?

Nurseries are a great option if you want your child's learning and care to have structure. Staff are trained to create a safe, happy and stimulating environment where your child can play and develop.

Your child will be able to do a wide variety of activities at day nursery. These activities will be designed to encourage your child’s social, creative, communication and listening skills, as well as his physical development. 

Activities your child may take part in at a day nursery include:

• painting, drawing, gluing and sticking
• playing with the sand pit, water table or playhouse
• listening to stories and reading
• creating with construction blocks and play dough
• doing jigsaws and puzzles
• moving and dancing to music
• singing songs and nursery rhymes
• cooking simple dishes

Your child will have the chance to play and learn in a group. This can help him to gain confidence and develop his social skills.
 

Day nursery staff work closely together, and a manager oversees the running of the nursery. Most nurseries also use a key worker policy, meaning that one person will take an overview of your child’s care and development. Your child’s key worker is likely to have a quick chat with you at the end of each day to let you know what he’s been doing.

Day nurseries can be more reliable than other forms of childcare. For example, if your child's key worker is ill or on holiday, another staff member will simply step in. So you don’t have to take time off work to cover staff absences.

You'll meet other parents at a day nursery, who may be able to lend support and exchange favours such as babysitting in the evenings.

What are the cons of using a day nursery for childcare?

Nurseries have set opening and closing times, so it’s a less flexible option as it’s expected that you’ll fit in with them. There may be an extra charge if you’re late picking up your child.

Some nurseries close for one week or two weeks in the summer when many families take their holiday. You’ll need to find back-up care when the nursery is closed or take your own holiday at the same time. 

You may need to make sure you have emergency care in place for when your child is ill. As your child is mixing with lots of other children, he may be more likely to catch illnesses such as colds and conjunctivitis.

Bear in mind that each nursery worker may be caring for up to three children under two. This means your baby may not get as much attention as he would from other childcare options.