What age range are the children in a pre-school?
Children in Pre-schools are usually aged between three and five but often
there are places for two year olds as well.
When are Pre-schools open?
Pre-schools are usually open during school term time. Most offer sessions of
three hours – either every day or on several days during the week.
What about full-time childcare?
A number of Pre-schools are developing their services to offer longer
sessions or full time day-care. Some parents choose to arrange for their
child-minder to take their children to Pre-school; others may choose to use
other types of daycare, e.g. nursery. please see separate leaflet “Choosing a
nursery class or nursery school”.
How much does a Pre-school cost?
Fee vary across the country. Your local Children’s Information (CIS) will
be able to give you information on prices in your area.
How do I find a Pre-school?
First of all you know your child best – look for a Pre-school you feel
will suit your child. Help in making this decision is provided on a separate
leaflet – “Choosing Childcare – What to Look For – Top 10 questions to
ask”.
Ask your local Children’s Information Service (CIS) to tell you more about Pre-schools near to your home. The Childcare Link free phone service will provide details of your local CIS on 08000 960296. Your Local Authority will be also be able to give you details of Pre-schools in your area.
What will my child do at Pre-school?
A child will usually begin the first stage of the National Curriculum called
the Foundation Stage that focuses on the distinct needs of children aged three
until the end of the the reception year of primary school. It is a broad,
balanced and purposeful curriculum, delivered through planned play activities to
help ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Children will develop skills such as speaking, listening, persistence, as well
as early reading, writing and numeracy so that most will achieve and some, where
appropriate, will go beyond the early learning goals by the end of the
foundation stage to help ensure they experience the best possible start to their
education.
How many children will there be in a Pre-School?
Most Pre-schools will provide places for between ten and twenty children.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
Most Pre-schools are registered with Ofsted and are inspected by them
regularly. Inspection covers all aspects of the service including safety and the
suitability and standard of the building. Most Pre-school staff are trained to
work with children or are undergoing training. There should be one member of
staff for every eight children aged three to five and
one member of staff for every four children aged two.
Plus Points
Copies of this factsheet can be
obtained from:
DfES Publications
PO Box 5050
Annesley
Nottingham NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 60 222 60
Fax: 0845 60 333 60
Textphone: 0845 60 555 60
E-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com
Please quote ref: CCL5R
© Crown copyright 2004
Produced by Sure Start.
This information is available in alternative formats
and is free of charge from the ChildcareLink website
and ChildcareLink information line:
Freephone and Textphone 08000 960296.
Visit www.Childcarelink.gov.uk
Extracts from this document may be reproduced for non-commercial or
training purposes on the condition that the source is acknowledged.
PPCHER/D16/PUB030303/0704/44