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Finding a school
From the age of 3 to 5 your children are at the Foundation stage of their education. You can send them to the local nursery class, nursery or to a playgroup or they may be catered for by an accredited childminder. At this stage there are lots of options, depending on your local area.
Choosing a school at this age depends on both your education and childcare needs - state schools usually only offer half day sessions and this may not be enough to cover your work or other commitments.
Although state schools are free, if you're paying for independent childcare for the rest of the day anyway, it may be worth checking out your local private nurseries and especially independent fee-charging schools on a monthly basis this may not be as expensive an option as you think.
Free Nursery Classes
In April the Government announced free nursery sessions for 3 year-olds up to then it was for 4 year-olds only, with a few regional exceptions. The first eligible group of children will take up their places in September 2004.
Each 3 year-old is now entitled to 5 x 2 hour sessions each week, either through their state nursery class or an approved provider such as a private nursery or group of accredited childminders. You should check with your chosen nursery to see how much the local authorities will pay - it may not cover the full cost.
These schools are usually attached to a Primary School. Depending upon your LEA (Local Education Authority), children will move from the nursery into a reception class in the term they become five years old ( called 'rising 5s') or in the term after they become five, (ask your school about this because it can get complicated.) They will then join Year 1 the following September.
It is a good idea to complete your nursery application form as soon as possible to ensure a place some nurseries will not have places for 3 year-olds but should be able to offer you a place for your 4 year-old. Some nurseries become over-subscribed and you should ask for their admissions criteria on application. Although the Government introduced free early years sessions for all 3 year-olds in April of 2004, it's not clear how this will actually be delivered.
Check eligibility for free sessions with your chosen nursery.
Always check out other options just in case see our Options Comparison Chart .
They usually take children from young babies right up to 5 years old. They are a great option for working parents who need long hours of childcare and provide everything for your child while they are there play, food, education, sleep and cuddles.
They are monitored and inspected by Ofsted and because you pay them they should provide you with a good service. But make sure you really check them out yourself and are happy with everything rely on your instincts about a nursery and get lots of feedback from other parents. We travelled a further 10 miles each way rather than settle for a very convenient but uninspiring local facility (even though it was part of a national chain with a generally excellent reputation) and for information about making your job and childcare work together: www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Playgroups are usually open for a daily three hour session during term time. They take children from 2 or 3 to 5. Most of these schools are Ofsted registered and inspected for a list of your local playgroups you can call the Child Information Service on 0800 960 296. For costs and comparisons, check out our chart: Options Comparison Chart
Childminders look after your children in their own home. Sometimes they look after other children too and will be approved for a certain number and age mix of children.
Childminders are a valuable source of childcare in the community and are often a flexible solution to fit around a half-day nursery class.
To download a Guide to Choosing a Childminder, see www.ncma.org.uk the National Childminding Association for England and Wales or for Scotland, visit: www.childminding.org.
For costs and comparisons, check out our chart: Options Comparison Chart
We had a good experience with the Montessori approach to pre-school. It's about empowering the child and is a different approach to learning - not everyone likes it. We recommend you visit the official website for more information:
www.montessorieducationuk.org and click on the tab for 'parents'.
Check eligibility for free sessions.
Some fee-charging day schools offer a nursery class from as young as two, but often require children to be potty trained and fairly independent. The difference between this option and a day nursery, is that this is a school setting with the emphasis on education.
Children will probably wear a uniform and be taught in a designated nursery area. The hours will be up to you and they may offer pre- and after- school care too.
Compared to the charges made by a day nursery, they are favourable but remember they are term time only. See the Options Comparison Chart.
For a list, see www.ukprivateschools.com.
Before choosing an Early Years school or nursery, take a look at our checklist:
- Have you seen the Ofsted report' When was it done' Have there been any major staff or facility changes since then?
- Have you had recommendations from other parents at the school?
- Have you met the staff?
- Have you visited during the day at least once?
- Has your child visited and was he/she happy?
- Did the children look happy, lively and motivated?
- Did you feel completely comfortable with everything you saw?
- Are you happy with their teaching methods'
- Are you happy with their health and safety policies'
- What is their policy on discipline?
- If the nursery is attached to a primary school, have you checked out the primary school too?
- Can you afford it?
- Does it satisfy your childcare needs with regard to working hours'
Also:
- Did you check out whether your child qualifies for free sessions?
- Are you choosing this nursery for the right reasons' Sometimes the convenience factor can overshadow niggling concerns which may cause problems later.
This table gives details of some great websites to help you find the best school near to you. For more details about the pros and cons of each type, go to our section on type of school.
|
Type |
Quality |
Hours |
Cost* |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
State Nursery Classes |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Usually am or pm for 2.5 hours/day |
Free |
Usually linked to primary school, smooth transition to primary, free, usually local |
May be over-subscribed, you may not like the school or its performance, usually from 4 years (3 yrs if lucky) |
|
Independent fee-charging nurseries |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Up to 11 hours/day, 8am-7pm |
?750/ month full-time approx |
Full-time flexible service, take children younger |
Fee-charging, may not be local |
|
Playgroups |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Usually am or pm for 3 hours/day |
'2-'5 per session |
Handy for activities and younger children, can supplement nursery class, from 2 yrs old |
Often over-subscribed |
|
Childminders |
Monitored by Ofsted** |
Core hours around 8am 6pm |
No national rate approx. '4-'6 per hour |
Good resource, some do foundation activities, any age. |
Many different styles, from purely caring to planned activities |
|
Montessori |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Usually am or pm for up to 3.5 hours/day |
Approx '900 per term for ' day session |
Accept children from 2.5 years, different approach to early years |
Transition to state nursery/primary may be more difficult, alternative approach |
|
Independent Schools Nursery Classes |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Half or full days, approx. 8.30am to 6pm |
Full-time approx. ?1620/ term or (?420/ month) |
Accept children from 2 years, longer hours, 'school? situation |
Transition to state nursery/primary may be more difficult | * you may be eligible for free sessions for 3-4 year olds - check with your provider
** no guarantee of Foundation Stage activities/learning
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Early Learning Sheets
