Whether your baby is just a few months old, your toddler is finding their feet, or your little one is preparing for school and has never been before, it is completely normal to wonder when the time is right. 

At Country Kids Nurseries, we know there is no single answer, only what is right for your family. Every child develops in their own way, and every family has their own story. 

Some parents are returning to work, some are self-employed and need time to focus on their business, and others may simply feel ready to do something for themselves again. Some families have relatives helping with childcare, while others have taken several years off to be at home. Every situation is different, and every choice is valid. 

Our nurseries are here to support families at every stage of that journey, from those first cuddles to those confident steps towards school. 



Starting Nursery Early – From Babies to Toddlers 

Many parents begin to think about nursery as they prepare to return to work after maternity or paternity leave, often when their little one is between 9 and 12 months old. For some families, that decision comes even earlier, especially if childcare is needed from around 3 to 6 months. 

At Country Kids, our baby rooms are calm, nurturing spaces where every moment matters, from soft sensory play to story time cuddles. Each child has a dedicated key worker, offering that familiar face and gentle care they need to feel secure and settled. 

Early nursery experiences help babies: 

• Develop strong, trusting bonds outside the family 
• Build early communication through songs, smiles, and play 
• Gain confidence and curiosity in exploring new environments 
• Establish healthy daily routines around eating, sleeping, and playing 

And for parents, it can be reassuring to know that while you are focusing on work or other commitments, your little one is thriving in a warm, loving space that feels like a home from home. 

Toddlers on the Move – Building Confidence and Curiosity 

For many families, the toddler years feel like a natural time to start nursery, around 18 months to 2 years old. At this stage, children are eager to explore, socialise, and test their independence. 

At Country Kids Nurseries, our toddler rooms and outdoor spaces are designed to spark curiosity. We mix messy play, outdoor adventures, and group activities to help children develop important life skills such as sharing, communicating, and problem-solving, all while having fun. 

We see daily how these experiences help toddlers grow in confidence, preparing them beautifully for their preschool years ahead. 

Starting Nursery Later – Preparing for School 

Some children don’t attend nursery until the year before they start school, and that is perfectly okay too. There are so many reasons families wait, home care, grandparents helping out, or simply wanting to enjoy those early years together. 

If your child is starting nursery for the first time at three or four years old, they will still gain so much from the experience. It gives them the chance to: 

• Build confidence away from home 
• Form friendships with children their own age 
• Learn gentle routines like snack time, tidy-up time, and group play 
• Strengthen speech, listening, and self-care skills 

Our preschool sessions at Country Kids focus on school readiness in a way that feels natural, through stories, outdoor learning, and imaginative play, so that children head off to school with big smiles and even bigger confidence. 

Government-Funded Hours – Making Nursery More Accessible 

From nine months old, many working parents are now eligible for up to 30 hours of government-funded childcare. This support has made it easier than ever for families to access high-quality early education without the full financial pressure. 

At Country Kids Nurseries, we help families understand and access their funded hours, making the process as simple as possible. Whether you are using just your funded entitlement or topping it up with additional sessions, we work with you to create a plan that fits your child’s routine and your family’s schedule. 

Funded hours can be used flexibly across the week, and our team is always happy to talk through how this can work for you. 

When Most Families Join – January, April, and September 

While we welcome new children throughout the year, we often see the biggest number of new starters in January, April, and September. These months align with the main nursery term dates and when most government-funded hours begin. 

Starting in one of these terms can be helpful if you prefer your child to settle in alongside other new starters, creating a shared sense of excitement and discovery. However, we know that family life does not always follow a term timetable, and we are always happy to welcome new children at any point in the year. 

Whether you join us mid-term, mid-year, or right at the start of a new chapter, your child will always be given the same warm welcome, patient support, and gentle settling-in process. 

Every Family’s Journey Is Different 

There is no right or wrong time to start nursery, only the time that feels right for you and your child. 

We work closely with families to make that transition smooth and reassuring. Whether you are joining us for a few mornings a week or full days, we tailor our care to your child’s personality and your family’s needs. Our aim is to make nursery feel like a natural extension of home life. 

You will always be part of the journey too, with regular updates, photos, and honest communication to keep you connected to your little one’s world while you are apart. 

Thinking about nursery for your little one? 
Come and visit one of our Country Kids Nurseries to see our cosy rooms, outdoor spaces, and meet our wonderful team, who care for our children like their own.