New Study Reveals Benefits of Nursery Attendance for Child Development

A recent report suggests that attending nursery aids in the development of social and everyday skills among youngsters, while staying at home may result in poorer speech and movement.

Fresh research suggests that children attending nursery fare better in social and developmental aspects compared to those staying at home with parents. The study, conducted by researchers from the London School of Economics and Oxford University, indicates that interaction with peers and adults at nursery stimulates children aged two to three, enhancing their skills and abilities.

The study surveyed 800 German mothers, gathering data on their children's progress at ages two and three, as well as family education and financial status. Questions about the child's capabilities, such as cutting paper with scissors or forming two-word sentences, were used to gauge development.

Findings highlighted the positive impact of activities like singing songs, engaging in arts and crafts, and storytelling on various developmental aspects. Notably, nursery activities such as singing songs and art activities positively influenced motor skills, while storytelling and singing aided speech development.

Interestingly, spending more time with grandparents was associated with improved language and social skills in children. Professor Paul Anand from LSE emphasized the study's positive implications, noting the diverse benefits of parental involvement and different activities in shaping child development.