I've had many friends keep their children in Nursery for FS1 and it has really worked for them which is why I will be doing the same for my little one. He's currently at Jumeirah International Nursery - they offer an FS1 programme just like the one in the main Schools and he will be doing cooking, Arabic/French, swimming, singing, football and going on trips.
I like that it gives Mark that little extra time in Nursery as, after going from home to Nursery to School within just a couple of years, it is a lot of change. I also find Schools quite daunting for children at that age as they are surrounded by bigger children and a much bigger environment. His Nursery also only allows 18 in a class maximum unlike the schools where they can range from 25-30 which means he gets more focus from his teacher. The teachers are fab and really make him feel like part of the family.
I also found that it was cheaper than enrolling him in a school - trying to put off that cost as long as I can really. Definitely worth taking a look so you see what I mean - you don't feel like your child is missing out on the real experience. As for School placements the nursery issues a report for your school application and, as long as you get your application in early enough and there are no developmental concerns, you should be fine.
