Nursery Schools

Information on this page is extracted from the Directgov web site. It is aimed at parents who require nursery or child care services for their pre-school age children. As part of our relocation services we will always help parents to find a suitable nursery or day care centre.

Types of Early Education

Depending on where you live, you'll find good quality early education in a variety of places:

State Nursery Schools

State nursery schools take children from the age of three or four. They are open during school term time and normally offer five half-day sessions a week. There must be at least one qualified teacher and one qualified nursery assistant for every 20 children.

Nursery Classes in State Primary Schools

Nursery classes in State Primary Schools take children from the age of three or four. They are open during school term time and normally offer five half-day sessions a week. There must be at least one qualified teacher and one qualified nursery assistant for every 26 children.

Reception Classes in State Primary Schools

Reception Classes take children at four or five. Some start children off with half day sessions and build up to full time attendance. The staff are qualified teachers and many have also been specially trained to work with children under 5.

Private Nursery Schools

Most Private Nursery Schools take children between the ages of two and five. They offer half or full-day sessions and some stay open in the school holidays.

Playgroups

Pre school Playgroups generally take children between the ages of three and five, although some take children from the age of two and a half. Most playgroups offer half-day sessions. Not all are open all day or for the whole week, but some provide longer hours for parents who want it. They are usually non-profit making and managed by volunteers, often including parents. Many parents are also involved in the activities playgroups provide for children. There must be at least one adult for every eight children and at least half of the adults must be qualified leaders or assistants.

Day Nurseries

Day Nurseries take children under five for the whole working day. They may be run by Local Authorities, voluntary organisations, private companies or individuals, or by employers. Children attend part-time or full-time, depending on their parents' needs. There must be at least one adult for every eight children and at least half of the staff must have a qualification recognised by the Local Authority. A number of Day Nurseries accept younger children, usually from six months and up, providing high quality day care with a higher staff / baby ratio, and allowing both parents to return to work should they wish.

Childminders

Childminders look after children under five as well as school age children after hours and in the school holidays. Childminders usually look after children in the childminder's own home. The Local Authority decides how many children a childminder can look after. Childminders are able to register as part of a network to provide early education.

Integrated Services

An increasing number of settings are now providing both early education and childcare services which parents may find particularly helpful and convenient. Some settings may also offer other family support services such as adult education and health visitors on site or on an outreach basis. The Government is encouraging this and one way is through their funding of a number of Early Excellence Centres around the country. At present there are 35 Centres throughout the country, though this number will increase significantly in the future.

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