When you’re researching and planning the right location to take your child to nursery there are several things to consider. One thing to look at is the size of classrooms and how they are handled. In this guide from a private nursery in London, we take a look at what constitutes a good nursery classroom size. Plus what other things to consider when choosing the right nursery.
WHY IS CLASSROOM SIZE IMPORTANT?
Firstly we should all consider what’s involved in having a smaller class size. Studies show that having a smaller class size means teachers have better interactions with students, are able to have more individual time with students and much more. It also gives your child the reassurance that they’ll be taken seriously during class time, and more likely to be noticed in the classroom. Teachers are able to keep a better track of how their students are doing and what they can do to help individual children.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL NUMBER?
In some nurseries or playgroups, the numbers can be astounding. While there could well be a huge number of kids in one place, they’ll often be split up into different classrooms ready for the day to truly begin.
Your child should be in a class that has kids around the same age as them as a given. It helps your child get used to their own age group, especially as it may well be one of the first times they’ll be in a group of children altogether for an extended period of time.
Most nurseries will say around 10 – 15 children per classroom is an ideal level. However, you may find that your child is in a classroom with around 20 – 25 students. The recommended ratio for Early Years students is 1:4 to 1:8 between teacher and students, but some nurseries can exceed this.
IS THERE A MAGICAL NUMBER?
There is no “magic number” at all, but there are also some considerations. Even potential compromises to consider. Your child could really enjoy the nursery they’re already in, and so long as you are seeing progress that a big plus. Maybe your little one enjoys bigger groups. Maybe you need a setting which caters to smaller numbers. So you can see that your child doesn’t need a specific number of students in their class.
