Why Keeping Your Child at Nursery Longer Can Be the Best Start for School
At Tiny Toes Nursery in Hertford, we often meet parents who wonder whether their child is ready to move on to “big school.” It’s a natural question — every parent wants to give their little one the best possible start.
But sometimes, the best preparation for school isn’t about starting sooner — it’s about giving children more time to develop the skills, confidence, and emotional maturity they’ll need to thrive once they get there.
Here’s why keeping your child at nursery that little bit longer can make a big difference.
1. Emotional Readiness Matters as Much as Academic Skills
While children may know their numbers and letters, starting school is a big emotional leap.
Nursery provides a smaller, nurturing environment where children build:
- Confidence in being away from parents
- Emotional regulation (sharing, patience, turn-taking)
- Trusting relationships with familiar adults
- The ability to manage routines and transitions
These “soft skills” are often what teachers say make the biggest difference when children move to Reception.
2. Time to Build Confidence and Independence
In our Preschool Room at Tiny Toes Hertford, children learn to dress themselves, serve their own meals, tidy up, and follow group routines.
By mastering these everyday skills in a familiar, supportive setting, children gain the independence and self-belief they need for school life — without feeling rushed.
A confident, self-assured child finds it far easier to settle into a new environment and embrace learning.
3. Stronger Social and Communication Skills
Staying at nursery longer gives children more time to practise:
- Making and maintaining friendships
- Expressing their needs and feelings
- Working together and problem-solving
These are the building blocks for happy, successful school relationships — and they develop best in play-based, smaller group settings like nursery.
4. Continued Learning Through Play
At Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford, our curriculum blends the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with The Curiosity Approach, ensuring children learn through exploration, discovery, and imagination.
Play-based learning builds essential early skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking — all while keeping curiosity and creativity alive.
Children who stay longer often make smoother transitions to formal schooling because they’ve built a strong foundation through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
5. Avoiding the “Too Soon” Trap
Research shows that some children who start school too early may struggle emotionally or academically later on — not because they’re less intelligent, but because their social and emotional maturity hasn’t fully developed yet.
Giving your child an extra term or even an extra year at nursery allows them to grow in confidence and enjoy childhood at their own pace — without the pressure of sitting still or meeting classroom expectations before they’re ready.
6. The Gift of Time
Every child develops differently.
At Tiny Toes Hertford, we celebrate each child’s individual journey — not by rushing milestones, but by giving them the time, space, and support to reach them naturally.
Our team works closely with parents to assess readiness, share observations, and ensure the move to “big school” happens when your child is truly ready — emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
When They’re Ready, They’ll Shine
Children who leave nursery feeling confident, secure, and curious are far more likely to love learning when they start school.
And that’s the foundation that lasts a lifetime.
Visit Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for the next step, we’re here to help.
Come and visit us, meet our experienced team, and see how we nurture happy, independent learners who move on to school when the time is right for them.
Book a visit today at www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk
Tiny Toes Nursery Hertford — giving children the time, confidence, and curiosity to thrive in school and beyond.
