:: Nursery Schools and Private Nurseries

Nursery schools and classes are part of the Foundation Stage for children aged up to five. Nursery schools fall within three sectors: State, Voluntary and Private. Nursery classes are part of primary or independent schools.

Nursery schools and classes provide a core day of 9am to 3.30pm for children from 3 years of age. Some nurseries have places for babies and toddlers and some are part of childcare schemes that also provide childcare for older children. Many nurseries are happy to offer part-time places, often they organise these into morning and afternoon sessions lasting for 2 1/2 hours. The majority of nursery schools offer extended day provision, which is usually from 8am to 6pm and referred to as wraparound care. Most nurseries are open all year round except for public holidays.

Nursery classes and nursery schools provide early education and childcare for groups of young children, part of the Foundation Stage. Through well-planned play, children will develop skills such as speaking, listening, persistence, concentration, learning to work together and co-operate with other children, as well as early reading, writing and numbers. This will give them the best chance of achieving the Early Learning Goals by the end of their first year in primary school and help ensure they experience the best possible start to their education.

The size of the school or class will vary but the number of staff will reflect the number of children who attend. In maintained nursery schools staffing levels are normally of 2 adults to 20 children with one of the adults being a qualified teacher and the other a qualified nursery assistant. The corresponding staffing levels for maintained nursery classes are 2 adults to 26 children. In private nursery schools staffing levels of 2 adults to 20 children are expected if the head is engaged in teaching or 2 adults to 26 children where the head is excluded. In either case one must be a qualified teacher and the other a qualified nursery assistant.

The numbers of qualified staff, and the space required to accommodate the children in comfort, are carefully regulated according to the Children Act and are also regulated by Ofsted. They must conform to common standards of care and health and safety, and they must be registered and inspected regularly by the local authority. You can always request to see the reports.

Nursery charges vary in different areas and fees vary according to the provider. Expect to pay between £80 and £180 per child per week. Many nurseries offer Government - funded, free, part-time early education places for eligible four year olds and now, for the first time, some three year olds. This funding is known as the Nursery Education Grant.

To select a nursery class or nursery is never easy, remember you know your child best - look for a nursery class or nursery school you feel will suit you child.

See a list of nursery schools and classes by clicking here

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