What Age Should a Child Go to Nursery? The Ultimate Guide for UK Parents

One of the most important questions early years parents find themselves asking is "what age should a child go to nursery?" As the answer isn't always as straightforward as a child being sent to nursery from the age of two or three, we're here to help!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about nursery age UK range, preschool age UK, and how to work out the perfect age for your child to start nursery.

Understanding Nursery Age in the UK

Nursery age UK covers those 0 – 5 years old who attend an early years setting before starting full-time school.

• Baby Nursery Age: 6 weeks – 2 years.
• Toddler Nursery Age: 2 – 3 years.
• Preschool Age UK: 3 – 5 years (reception preparation).

Bear in mind that each nursery will have its own admissions policy, but the nursery school age in the UK, in general, covers all ages.

What Age to Start Nursery UK: The Options

Parents ask this question all the time. "When should children start nursery?"

I cannot give you an exact age because every parent is different.

But here are the usual ages:

1. Babies (6 weeks – 12 months)

• The nursery start age for babies
• When do babies start nursery? Babies can start nursery at the young age of 6 weeks old at some nurseries.
• It is usually for parents who need to go back to work after maternity or paternity leave.
• The focus at this nursery age in the UK is nurturing care and lots of hugs. baby nurseries provide support with feeding and safe play.

2. Toddlers (1 – 2 years)

• Toddlers are more active and start to explore the world.
• Families can choose this nursery age for a number of reasons.
• Children love to socialise with other kids and learn through play and activities.

3. Preschool (2 – 3 years)

• The most common nursery start age for children.
• It is a popular age to start nursery as children are highly active in their learning.
• They will develop speech, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Nursery is the right place to learn skills like potty training, sharing, and teamwork.
• At this nursery age in the UK, they can also start pre-academics.

4. Preschool Readiness (3 – 4 years)

• Many parents wait until their child is 3 years old.
• Children become eligible for their free nursery hours at age 3.
• This is a big nursery age UK milestone because children are getting ready for school.

What Age is Preschool in the UK?

Preschool and nursery are terms that are often interchanged, but they actually mean two different things. Here's how to spot the difference:

• NurseryAge UK: 0 – 5 years (babies, toddlers, preschoolers).
• PreschoolAge UK: 3 – 5 years. In particular, they are about getting ready for the reception class.

Preschools are more structured, with literacy, numeracy, and skills for independence at the core of the curriculum. Nurseries tend to have a broader age range.

Benefits of Nursery at Different Ages

Think about what each nursery stage offers before choosing a good age to start nursery.

Nursery for Babies (6 weeks – 2 years)

• Professional care while you work.
• Safe space for bonding and early development.
• Helps babies get used to a routine away from home.

Nursery for Toddlers (2 – 3 years)

• Builds confidence and social skills.
• Encourages independence (feeding, dressing, toileting).
• Supports speech and language development.

Nursery for Preschoolers (3 – 5 years)

• Helps children get ready for the school routine.
• Teaches early numeracy, phonics, and problem-solving.
• Develops teamwork, patience, and emotional resilience.

What Is the Best Age for Nursery?

Age 2–3 years is a common recommendation for the best age for nursery because:

• Children are curious, adaptable, and keen to socialise.
• They can benefit from structure and play-based learning.
• They are developing independence but still need adult support to thrive.

That said, some children flourish from starting as babies, while others benefit from waiting until preschool age.

When Should a Child Start Nursery? Factors to Consider

Rather than a child's age, look at factors like:

Child's Readiness: Can they play without parents? Are they interested in other children?

Family Circumstances: Are you going back to work? Do you need support?

Nursery Places: Nurseries have waiting lists, so you may need to plan.

Financial Support: Free nursery hours & government funding may affect timing.

Nursery Age UK: Government Funding and Free Hours

Childcare funding schemes in the UK also affect when parents start their children at nursery:

• ‍Free Nursery Hours: In England, every child is entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education from age 3.‍
• Extended Hours: Working parents may be entitled to 30 free hours per week.‍
• Two-Year-Old Funding: Some 2-year-olds are entitled to free nursery hours if parents meet specific criteria.

Age 2–3 years is a common nursery starting point for many families as a result.

What Age Do Children Start Nursery Around the World? (Comparison)

It is also curious to compare the nursery school age by country:

UK: Nursery from 6 weeks, preschool from 3 years.

France: École maternelle from age 3.

USA: Daycare for babies, preschool for 3–5 years old.

Nordic countries: Many go to nursery (barnehage) from 1 year old.

This demonstrates that nursery school age varies greatly by culture, and is usually tied to childcare and parental leave policies.

Pros and Cons of Starting Nursery at Different Ages

Starting Early (Baby/Toddler Age)

Pros:

• Early socialisation.
• Professional care for working parents.
• Builds adaptability.

Cons:

• It can be expensive.
• Some children may struggle with separation anxiety.

Starting Later (Preschool Age)

Pros:

• The child is more independent.
• Shorter time in nursery before school.
• Easier adjustment for some families.

Cons:

• Fewer opportunities for early socialisation.
• Parents may need alternative childcare earlier.

Tips for Choosing the Right Time

Visit the Nursery: Check if it suits your child's developmental needs.

Ease them in: Start with shorter periods at nursery to help with the transition.

Trust your Gut: You know your baby better than anyone.

Be Prepared: If a nursery is popular, they are likely to have a waiting list.

Final Thoughts: What Age Should a Child Go to Nursery?

There is no definitive answer to when the best age is for nursery. In the UK, children are able to attend nursery from the age of 6 weeks all the way up to 5 years old, but most parents decide on 2–3 years old as the optimum time to start.

At Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland, we accept children from the age of 6 weeks up until 5 years old, with baby, toddler, and preschool rooms to suit your child's needs as they grow.

Our team of experts knows that every child is different, and it may be the right time for your child to start nursery at 6 months or it may be that 3 years is the right time, but whatever the age, we can help you decide on the right learning, playing, and caring balance for your child.

So, if you're asking "when should my child go to nursery?" the answer is whenever your child (and your family) is ready.

Common Questions Parents Ask

1. At what age do kids start nursery in the UK?
Most children start at nursery between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. Nurseries accept children from 6 weeks old.

2. What age is nursery UK?
Nursery in the UK encompasses the age of children from birth to 5 years old.

3. What age is preschool in the UK?
Preschool is for children aged 3–5 years old, typically before they attend primary school.

4. When do babies go to nursery?
Babies can start nursery at 6 weeks old, although some parents wait until their baby is 9–12 months old.

5. What is the best age to go to nursery?
The most common view among experts is that the best age to start nursery is 2–3 years old.

6. At what age do children start nursery before school?
Most kids start preschool at 3–4 years old, then move on to reception at 4–5.