Pre-school (Playgroup) Childcare

Pre-schools, also known as playgroups, offer young children the chance to learn and play in small groups, often close to their home.

Pre-schools are registered with OFSTED (Children Services) and inspected every year. Some pre-schools provide free early education.

Most pre-schools open for sessions of around two and a half-hours at a time, but some are open for the whole day.

Pre-school staff work with the children, and parents often help out.

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 age 3-5 and prepares them for Key Stage one in year one of school.

Pre-school Plus Points

Pre-schools have many benefits, both for the child and for the parent, including:

• Small groups - your child can enjoy learning and playing in small groups focused on their needs and abilities
   
• Skills acquisition - your child can acquire useful social, emotional and physical skills prior to starting a reception class at school
   
• Increased socialisation - pre-schools offer the opportunity both for you and your child to socialise and meet other children and parents who live in your area

See Frequently Asked Questions

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Wednesday, 8 October, 2008

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