I have worked in early years education for ten years as a Montessori practitioner and manageress. I believe that no matter how much a nursery complies with Ofsted regulations, no one can give more care than parents themselves.
Rosemary Murphy explains so well how valued day nurseries are in today's society - but she needs to, because she owns three nurseries! Nursery chains are a business and selling nursery places is vital.
We should all be honest and tell parents that there is no rush to put their child in a nursery. They can attend local play schemes to interact with other children. Yes, parents would have to make sacrifices, but their child will be better off.
I only agree with nursery education being introduced prior to reception class. At around three years old children are keen to develop skills alongside a larger group of friends.
I admire Biddulph's courage to challenge our thinking about the value and role of day nurseries. Are they a necessity for under-threes? My answer is no.
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