The Long Term Benefits Of A Nursery Experience

In a UK study by SEED (Study Of Early Education And Development), it was found that frequent early childcare led to better long-term outcomes for children. This research was aimed at children that were aged three years old, and was primarily focused on two key areas of their development measured by verbal and non-verbal abilities. This included things like being able to tell the difference between objects as well as pictures. The cognitive and social development of children begins to take shape as soon as they are born, and the first five years of a child's life is a time of rapid development.

Research overwhelmingly shows that children who attend nursery or preschool, have a much stronger overall attainment than children who did not. Many parents feel the pressure to provide everything in terms of early needs, and there are unlimited benefits to be had from those early stages in the home environment. Naturally sending your child to nursery is a huge step, but parents can rest assured that nursery education is an extremely viable option that offers many long-term social, economic, and educational benefits to your child and yourself. Nursery education helps you understand these developmental milestones and you can work with your chosen nursery to support your child's needs, standing them in good stead, for life after preschool and beyond.

Socialisation

There are many things outside of early years learning that are beneficial to children from nursery school, one of the most crucial lasting positive effects on children being improved social skills. A quality early years education provides a child with crucial social interaction skills and emotional maturity, giving them the skills to interact with other children from a variety of backgrounds and form positive relationships. This is something that will not only benefit a child throughout their schooling years but also in their professional working life too.

Improved academic performance

There’s significant evidence that indicates that being in an early years educational environment can help encourage children’s cognitive performance. Research indicates that all children benefit from early years learning, regardless of their background. It's understood that children who do not attend nursery school are at significant risk of starting school ‘developmentally vulnerable.’ This essentially means they are at risk of being academically behind their peers in areas of study.

The essential skills for life

Early years learning helps children develop the skills they’ll need for life. At this young age the way teachers do this is simple - by encouraging them to interact and do what children do best, play! Playing encourages children to learn naturally, because children enjoy creativity and fun, interacting with other children and in a safe monitored environment is really important for those early formative years.  

Optimised attendance

There is evidence which suggests that children who attend nursery school have better attendance throughout their education as a whole and more likely to wholly complete their education. 

The quality and amount of early learning a child participates in can have a profound impact on their cognitive and social skills. Structured programs and quality teaching lays the foundation for the wellbeing and educational development of children. Lucton School based in Hereford offers quality nursery education for children making certain that every child develops solid foundations that will allow them to flourish throughout their school years and beyond.

About the Author

Sophie is a new mum and has over 10 years of experience teaching early years education around several parts of the world. Teaching children in different environments and from different cultures became integral for Sophie in the understanding of how children learn. After recently having her first child, Sophie is experiencing the joys of parenthood and taking on educational writing opportunities in her free time.