Pre-School Overview
What is a Pre-school?
Pre-schools – also known as playgroups – offer young children the chance to learn and play in small groups, often close to their home. Some pre-schools provide free early education.
Pre-schools offer a range of stimulating activities for children, encouraging them to learn through play. They plan the children’s learning opportunities on the basis of the Foundation Stage curriculum, which covers children from 3-5 and prepares them for Key Stage one in year one of school.
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. Some will also offer extended hours.
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.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all – you know your child best, so look for a Pre-school that you feel is suitable for your child.
Pre-schools are registered with Ofsted and are inspected every year. Under this registration and inspection all staff are police and health checked. The Pre-schools must also meet certain safety standards.
You should ask to see their certificate of registration as this will tell you the ages and number of children they can care for and their approved hours of opening. Inspection covers all aspects of the service including safety and suitability and standard of the building.
At least half of the staff in a nursery must be trained and possess a suitable childcare qualification. There should be 1 member of staff for every 8 children aged three to five and 1 member of staff for every four children aged two to three.
How much does Pre-school cost?
Pre-schools cost between £3 and £10 per session. but many also provide free Early Education for three and four year-olds funded by the Government.
If your childcare setting provides Early–Years Education and is registered with Ealing EYDCP, they will receive a grant, which covers the cost of up to five two and a half hour sessions a week. All children are entitled to this from the term after their third birthday.
What to do if you’re concerned?
If you have any concerns at all about the quality or integrity of your childcare provider, you can contact the regulating body – OFSTED- on 08456 404040.
How can I find a Pre-School?
Ealing Children’s Information Service holds details on all the registered childminders in the London Borough of Ealing. You can search for local childminders by postcode and area or contact the CIS for a printed list.
Useful questions to ask a Pre-school Provider