Pre-schools
Pre-schools, also known as playgroups or playschools, are for young children to learn and play in small groups. They are registered with Ofsted (Children Services) and inspected every three years. Most pre-schools are registered to provide early education.
Most pre-schools open for sessions of around two to three hours at a time, but some are open for the whole day. Most are open only during term time, although some may offer sessions in the holidays.
Pre-school staff work with the children and parents often help out. They offer a range of fun activities for children and lots of opportunities to learn.
Advantages
• your child can enjoy playing and learning in a small group
• your child has the opportunity to gain new skills and become independent
• you can meet and get to know parents in your area
• some pre-schools offer part time early education places for children aged three and four which will be funded by the early education funding
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best - look for a pre-school you feel will suit your child. Registration and inspection of pre-schools is arranged by Ofsted (Children Services). This means checks are carried out to ensure that the pre-school staff are suitable to look after children. At least half the staff must be trained to work with children.
A check on the pre-school premises is carried out to make sure the building is safe and suitable for children. Once the pre-school is registered, an inspection is carried out every three years to make sure the pre-school is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. An inspection report is produced and should be available for you to see.
There should be a set number of staff to work with the children. It is recommended that there is one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five and one adult for every four children aged two to three.
What will my child do at pre-school?
Through well-planned play, children will develop skills such as speaking, listening, persistence, concentration, and learning to work together and co-operate with other children.
What age range are the children in a pre-school?
Children in pre-schools are usually aged between two and a half and five but some have places for two-year-olds as well.
When are pre-schools open?
Pre-schools usually open for sessions of around three hours. Children often attend for morning or afternoon sessions. Sometimes there will be two sessions a day, five days a week and sometimes the pre-school just opens once or twice a week. Most pre-schools have the same term dates as local schools.
How much does a pre-school cost?
Pre-schools cost about £4 to £8 per session.
Is the pre-school on the Early Years Register?
If your childcare provider provides early years education and is part of the early years register, they will receive funding enabling them to give your child a two and a half hour part time place, five sessions a week, term time only, from the term after your child becomes three.
How do I choose a pre-school?
Croydon Children’s Information Service has lists and information about pre-schools in the Croydon Area.
Do go and visit more then one Pre-school.
Do take a list of questions that you wish to ask.
When you have found a pre-school, do visit for a second time.
We would advise, not to accept a place in a group until you have seen:
• Inspection certificate
• Inspection report
• Up to date public liability insurance.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Croydon Children's Information Service
- Telephone
- 0845 11 11 100
- child.care@croydon.gov.uk
- Address
- 10 Katharine Street
Croydon
CR9 1JU - Website
- www.croydonchildcare.com/
