As parents, deciding how many days your child should attend nursery is an important choice. While every family’s situation is different, there are many advantages to increasing a child’s time in nursery, especially as they grow and develop key social, emotional, and cognitive skills. With the extended government funding entitlements coming into effect from September, more families will have the opportunity to benefit from increased nursery attendance at a lower cost.

At Wembley Park Montessori Nursery, we believe in creating an engaging, child-centred environment where children flourish. Our curriculum is designed to nurture independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning, and increased attendance allows children to immerse themselves more deeply in these valuable experiences.

How More Time in Nursery Supports Development

1. Consistency & Routine

Children thrive on routine. Attending nursery regularly provides a structured day filled with learning, play, and social interaction. A familiar routine helps children feel secure, easing separation anxiety and making transitions smoother both now and as they prepare for school.

2. Social & Emotional Growth

More days in nursery allow children to form stronger friendships and develop crucial social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and expressing emotions. With regular attendance, they build confidence in their interactions and develop a sense of belonging within their nursery community.

3. Language & Cognitive Development

Nurseries provide a rich language environment where children are constantly exposed to new words, books, songs, and conversations. The more time they spend immersed in this setting, the greater their opportunity to develop early literacy, problem-solving skills, and curiosity about the world around them.

4. Greater Independence & School Readiness

Attending nursery more frequently encourages children to become independent in their self-care routines, decision-making, and problem-solving. These skills play a crucial role in preparing them for the transition to Reception, where they will need to navigate a structured learning environment with increased independence.

5. Exposure to Extra-Curricular Activities

At Wembley Park Montessori Nursery, we offer a range of Extra Curricular Activities, includingyoga, language lessons, sports sessions and even IT. Attending more frequently ensures that children can take full advantage of these rich learning experiences, supporting their holistic development.

Considering Your Child’s Needs

While there are clear benefits to attending nursery more often, it’s important to balance this with your child’s individual personality, energy levels, and family lifestyle. Some children may thrive in a full-time setting, while others benefit from a more gradual transition.

At Wembley Park Montessori Nursery, we recognise that starting nursery is a significant milestone, which is why we offer an intensive and personalised settling-in process. Unlike many nurseries that offer just two or three settling-in sessions, we provide a whole week of tailored visits (or more if needed) to ensure your child feels comfortable and secure in their new environment. This unique approach allows children to form trusting relationships with staff, explore their surroundings at their own pace, and ease into their nursery routine with confidence.

Extended Funding Entitlement: Making More Days Accessible

From September 2025, the government’s expanded funding scheme means that many working families with children aged 9 months to 4 years will be eligible for additional free childcare hours. This increased support makes it more affordable for families to start nursery or consider extending their child’s nursery attendance, ensuring they can benefit from high-quality early education.

If you would like to discuss how to make the most of your funded hours with a Montessori Education, or how increasing your child’s nursery days could support their development or learn more about funding eligibility, please speak to a member of our team. We are here to help guide you in making the best decision for your child’s early years journey!