Nursery children ‘have better social skills’

YOUNG children who are looked after by their parents or grandparents are worse behaved than those sent to nursery, a study has found.

The researchers found that children who attend a nursery or crèche staffed by professionals were less likely to have poor social skills, difficult relationships with peers, or behavioural issues – particularly if attendance lasted a year or more. Previous evidence suggests that early childcare may boost a child’s language and thinking skills, and possibly academic prowess.

The findings, published online by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, come from a French study of 1,428 children.

Researchers monitored children’s emotional development from birth up to the age of eight, using responses to a questionnaire, completed by parents when the children were three, five-and -a-half and eight. It included 25 items, focusing on behavioural and emotional problems, including difficulties making friends, hyperactivity or inattention, conduct and social skills.

Analysis showed that compared with children looked after by family or friends, those who received formal care were less likely to have emotional and behavioural problems, and more likely to have better social skills.