Pre-Schools
Pre-schools - also known as playgroups - offer young children the chance to learn and play in small groups, often close to their home. 'Maintained nurseries' are pre-schools run by schools. Pre-schools and maintained nurseries are registered with Ofsted and inspected regularly. All staff also have to have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
All pre-schools and maintained nurseries provide free early education. Most pre-schools and maintained nurseries open for sessions of around two and a half-hours at a time, but increasingly, many are opening for longer hours.
Pre-school and maintained nursery staff work with the children, and parents often help out. Pre-schools and maintained nurseries 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 Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which covers children from 0-5 and prepares them for Key Stage one in year one of school.
Many pre-schools are community groups managed by parent/carer voluntary committees. Parental involvement is both welcomed and encouraged and without it many groups would struggle to exist. Pre-schools meet in a variety of venues including church halls, community centres, scout huts and school sites. Maintained nurseries are run by the Local Education Authority and are based on a school site.
Choosing a pre-school - Factsheet
Plus Points
- Your child is safe and can make new friends
- Your child can develop new skills and build greater confidence
- You can meet other parents and get to know your local community better
What age range are the children in a pre-school or maintained nursery?
Children are usually aged between three and five, but often there are places for 2 year olds as well.
When are pre-schools and maintained nurseries open?
Pre-schools are usually open during school term time. Most offer sessions of 3 hours, either every day or on several days during the week.
What about full-time childcare?
A number of pre-schools and maintained nurseries are developing their services to offer longer sessions or full time day-care. Some parents choose to arrange for their childminder to take their children to pre-school or maintained nurseries; others may choose to use other types of daycare, e.g. a day nursery.
How much does it cost?
Pre-schools and maintained nurseries provide early years education and are registered to receive Nursery Education Funding. This means they will receive a grant which covers the cost of up to five three hour sessions a week. All children are entitled to this from the term after their third birthday. Find out more about early education funding. Pre-school charges range from around £4.50 - £6.50 per session for children who start before this or children who attend for additional hours.
What will my child do?
At pre-school, children will be offered a range of stimulating activities, following the curriculum guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children will be encouraged to gain independence, learn social skills, make friends, express themselves creatively and develop an understanding in early reading and writing concepts. Children are offered these experiences through carefully constructed play.
How many children will there be in a pre-school or maintained nursery?
Most pre-schools will provide places for between ten and thirty five children.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best - look for a pre-school or maintained nursery you feel will suit your child. Pre-schools and maintained nurseries are registered with Ofsted and are inspected 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 adult for every four children aged two to three.
How do I find a Pre-school or Maintained Nursery?
Search our childcare database or contact Southampton Children and Young People's Information Service for information on pre-schools and maintained nurseries near where you live or work on 0800 169 8833. For pre-schools and maintained nurseries outside of Southampton, please contact your local authority.
