Pre-School Vs Nursery

[Chasingcars]

What is the differemce between a pre- school and nursery- is it that a nursery take from birth where as a pre- school is 2+?
Any other differences/ advantages of one over another?
My little girl is looked after 2 days a week when i work by each set of grandparents, one on each day. We would like to introduce her to some time, half a day a week at one or other so she gets used to time with other children without me (we so lots of groups together during rest of week)
Some of my friends have used nurserys from 12 months so can they continue until their children start school or do they need to switch to a pre-school?
Finally at what age is the 15 hours of free childcare from- i understood 3 yeards but saw briefly a poster today that said from 2?
Thanks for your help in advance

[black_cat51]

it's generally the term after their 3rd birthday. However, some councils have introduced it from 2Y.O. for disadvantaged children (low incomes/special needs and all that jazz)

[belrec]

in my experience nurseries (especially the national group ones) are basically just a baby sitting service, they are not obligated to teach anything so if you want your child to be learning numbers and letters etc outside the home then you will need to send her to a pre-school at 3.

both of mine went to nurseries and both had different experiences, my girl is very gregarious and loved it the interaction with loads of other kids and adults she was in her element and thrived.

my boy although quite social is not in the same league and found it difficult to adjust. however, when i moved him to a childminder (who they both go to now in school hols) he loved it. He preferred the one-one attention and small group of regular children.

So i would recommend that you take your little girl to a few different places and see what she likes and also weigh in what sort of person she is.

[black_cat51]

all providers have to follow EYFS
https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage so i disagree with belrecs opinion on that
nurseries cater for any age, but pre-school are just from the voucher age
preschools tend to do sessions and nurseries are open all day
preschools don't have babies, but nurseries do
preschools tend to be staffed by middle age women, nurseries tend to b e staffed by slightly younger women

[jaynethepain]

15 free hours is available for all children the term following their third birthday e.g. If birthday in December, the funding takes effect from the spring term i.e January. The child receives it for 6 terms.

Funding for two year olds is available at the moment if you are eligible I.e. On certain tax credits, incomes etc. you have to apply to your LEA to see if you are eligible.

[Chasingcars]

Thank you all, most helpfull. We both work and do not claim any benefits so would not be entitled to any free childcare places when she is 2 so would only qualify when she is 3, however that said, i am right in saying my daughter could still go to preschool for half a day from age of 2 if I pay?

[daddylonglegs]

Hi
I'm a deputy leader in a pre-school, we take children from the age of two some parents pay, some parents meet the criteria for two year old funding, by the sounds of things you will have to pay but you should be able to find a pre-school relatively easily. I also suggest if you can to do a minimum of two days at a pre-school as your child will more than likely settle more easily and it will be better for his development in the long run.

[Chasingcars]

Thanks Daddylonglegs, most helpful. Good point about the 2 days a week, that makes sense. From your opinion, would pre school be better than a nursery at this age?

[daddylonglegs]

My personal opinion is a pre-school, its true they do tend to be staffed by older people i'm 33 and the youngest there, we are all mothers and tend to have that natural maternal instinct aswell as qualifications. I'm not really keen on day nurseries at all this is based on what I have seen aswell as heard (yes I know there are some good ones but they're few and far between) whatever you choose to do ALWAYS check the ofsted report and go and visit the place and speak with the staff, if something does not feel right then don't send your child there. At the right setting your child will thrive and absolutely love going.

[Chasingcars]

Is there requirements that both nursery and preschool have to fulfill or do they different objectives? And is the adult/ child ratio same in both?

[daddylonglegs]

No the requirements will be the same, they have to follow the EYFS and also adhere to the statutory guidance. Staff to child ratio is 1-4 aged two and 1-8 aged 3.