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Only moments after I checked my inbox, I received my email confirming the return to work. My excitement rose up but also with some nervousness. My little one was at the heart of it all. The choice was to ease him in or go for it straight off with an all-day place. If you are wrestling with the same choice, just like I was, you are not alone. We can do this together, and among the nurseries in Chandlers Ford , Dragonflies Childcare is here to help you out. A Breakdown of Nursery Schedules in Chandlers Ford At first, I had to do some research. It quickly became clear to me that "nursery" is not a term you can apply. There were so many options available here in Chandlers Ford. For instance, I learned that nurseries in Chandlers Ford followed a school model. They also have facilities that are open all year round and by all means. Then there were the sessions; firstly, you had morning blocks (9 am - 12 pm), secondly, afternoons (1 pm - 4 pm), thirdly, the commonly offered "school day" (9 am - 3:30 pm). Finally, some nurseries even offered flexible full-day care (7:30 am - 6:30 pm). Just understanding this was the first key to finding a suitable option for us. Analysing the Financial Implications for Your Family Budget To be perfectly frank, this is a crucial juncture in the process. I pulled out my calculator and sat down to work the numbers. Part-time sessions had, unsurprisingly, the most favourable monthly impact on our budget. Still, once I factored in my need and the potential need for childcare for occasional hours, it began to close the financial gap. Aligning Your Family's Lifestyle with Nursery Hours Then again, both my partner and I are full-time employees, with commutes in and out of Southampton that were often unpredictable. The pressure we felt to rush to the best nurseries in Chandlers Ford to pick up our child on a strict 12 pm deadline was daunting. Finally, we came to realise that to preserve our family rhythm and sanity, a full-day nursery option was the best possible compromise for us, offering both certainty and flexibility. This was not about which day has the most hours, but rather the most appropriate structure for us. Making an Informed Choice in Chandlers Ford With that certainty, my visits to nurseries in Chandlers Ford became much more purposeful. I got beyond the brochure and asked some direct questions: “How flexible are your session patterns? Can they be interchanged?” “What does a full-day schedule look like compared to a half-day?” “How do you ensure a child in part-time care has access to key experiences?” “What are your protocols for early arrival or late pick-up?” The responses gave me everything I needed to know regarding their philosophy and flexibility. Why Choose Nurseries in Chandlers Ford? As you make this choice for your family, Dragonflies Childcare invites you to think about the reasons why our nursery in Chandlers Ford is an exciting place for your child. Real Flexibility: We know that families need to blend their weekly schedule to balance their work and family needs. All-Inclusive Transparent Pricing: No hidden extras for diapers, wipes, or healthy meals – so that you can budget with confidence. Community of Practitioners that Care: Our staff is committed to knowing your child, to ensure that they feel a sense of belonging and care. Reach Out to Us Today So, deciding whether your child will go to part-time or full-time nurseries in Chandlers Ford completely depends on you. There is no ‘wrong’ answer, but there is the answer that is 'right' for you. Whatever you choose, just trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and the fact that you are weighing these decisions carefully means you are already doing a great job. Dragonflies Childcare will always be with you.

Looking for the best nurseries in Chandlers Ford? Our outstanding setting offers a child-led curriculum & secure outdoor play

Discover the benefits of play-based learning at our outstanding nursery in Chandlers Ford. We support your child's development at every turn