I think that the clingy thing has to do with the boys and that girls are (and always will be!) independent.
I send my little girl to nursery from 16 months old due to the fact that I work full time and so does my mum and dad and it was the best thing I could of done, she loves it and she's really "grown" as she is playing with older kiddies.
I will do the same as soon as my little boy can walk!
i live in potters bar and its ok. i know your a oeace lover and all bro but i would say a few heads will have to be knocked. its for the best moving to london its much better than this countryside they call herfordshire. its ok but all the kids claim to be NF but walk and talk like they just left Harlem