The Value of Nursery Education

The impacts of missing education are severe for children, young people and adults, both now and in the future. The evidence is very clear that being out of education causes significant harm to learning, life chances and mental and physical health. This is especially true for our most vulnerable children and young people. Lower academic achievement also translates into long-term economic costs which affects the standard of living that pupils and students will have over the course of their entire life.

In the current climate, the UK Chief Medical Officers issued a statement have reviewed the available evidence which makes clear that children and young people continue to be at low risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) and the risk from the virus of severe disease and death to children and young people is very low. This position was confirmed more recently by Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

The balance of risk is overwhelmingly in favour of children and young people remaining in education or childcare. For the vast majority of children and young people, the benefits of being back in education far outweigh the very low risk from coronavirus (COVID-19).

There are a huge number of benefits for children accessing nursery provision to support with development and early education. This includes but is not limited to:-

• Making friends – Nursery is the perfect opportunity for your child to begin to form friendships with other children. They will be surrounded by children of a similar age with lots of opportunity for group games, role play and cooperation.  Research shows that this is THE most important thing for children to learn in order to be happy, progress well at school and in life.
• Social skills and interactions– Socialising with other children is vital for your child’s successful development. Listening to other people, resolving conflict and communicating your feelings will all be learned at Nursery. The majority of our settings have links with local care homes and community projects, which is a fantastic opportunity for children to work on their social skills.
• Learning new skills – Nursery Teachers are skilled at nurturing children to develop a wide range of new skills, from speech and language to physical skills, and early science, maths and technology. You will notice your little one rapidly expanding their skills when they start attending Nursery.
• Curriculum coverage – Day Nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. This provides a structure of learning and care for children from birth to five years. Click here to view our parents’ guide to the Early Years foundation stage – https://www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk/parent-guide-early-years-foundation-stage/
• Extra curricula activities – At Tops Day Nurseries we provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities to benefit your child. Click here to find out more – https://www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk/about-tops/extra-curricular/activities/
• Confidence – Spending time away from their main carer builds children’s self-confidence as they begin to learn more about life outside of their main family unit.
• Preparation for school – Attending Nursery is the first step for preparing children for the transition to School. At Tops Day Nurseries we follow a ‘steps to school’ program to teach the skills children need for when they start school. Click here to read more about our guide to starting school https://www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk/a-parents-guide-to-starting-school/

Children attending nursery also has many benefits for the parents. It will give you an opportunity to do the shopping in peace, complete uninterrupted workouts or just have a well-earned break. Parents feel more relaxed after having a break from their children which can improve relationships, connections and quality time together.

There is financial support available

If one of the reasons you are not sending your child back to Nursery is due to the cost, please see if you can get help.

Some employers will provide childcare vouchers, so check with your HR department.

Many parents can also get help towards costs of childcare through tax credits. Please click here to read more on the funding available for 2 year olds, and here for 3 and 4 year olds.