What is a nursery class or nursery school?

Nursery classes are part of primary or independent schools. There are three nursery schools in Kirklees which are separate from primary schools who offer integrated care and education for children under 5.

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What will my child do at nursery school/class?

Your child should experience learning and development activities suitable for their age which is based on the Birth to Three Framework and the Foundation Stage.

Through well-planned play, children will develop skills such as language, listening, concentration, learning to work together and to cooperate with other children. They will also learn skills to help them with reading, writing and numbers.

Nursery classes offer full or half days and are staffed by teachers and assistants. Working parents may need to arrange for other childcare to fit around the hours.

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What are the benefits of a nursery school/class?

• Your child will learn through play and have fun with friends.
• Your child will be in a group with a qualified teacher.
• Children often move onto school with the same group of friends.

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How do I know my child will be safe and secure?

Ofsted ensures that these services are registered and inspected regularly. You can ask to see the school's latest inspection report and registration certificate.

• Schools in Kirklees - Ofsted inspection reports

One carer will be allocated to 13 children, and each class will have one qualified teacher.

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How many children will there be in a nursery school or nursery class?

In maintained nursery schools staffing levels of 2 adults to 20 children are required 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 or the other a qualified nursery assistant. Normally children in nursery schools and classes will be between 3 and 5 years old.

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When are nursery schools and nursery classes open?

Nursery schools and classes usually open at 9am and close at 3.30pm. Some children will be offered a part-time place. This means an afternoon or a morning session of around two and a half hours. Nursery schools and classes are likely to close for school holidays of at least 13 weeks in the year. However, some private nursery schools stay open during school holidays.

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What about full-time childcare?

Many families need more childcare to fit around these hours. You could employ a childminder or nanny to help out. Or you might find there is an out of school group that fits around your nursery school/class hours. Many nursery classes and all of Kirklees nursery schools provide lunch clubs and extended hours that are optional and will need to be paid for.

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How much does a nursery school/class cost?

State nursery schools and classes are free except for meals and trips. Some are run by private or voluntary sector organisations and they charge fees. All nursery schools and classes may charge for any additional time above the 2.5 hour free sessions.

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How do I find a nursery school or class?

• Schools in Kirklees - A to Z list
• Schools in Kirklees - Headteachers and contact details

The Family Information Service offers free information, advice and guidance for children, young people and their parents or carers on finding and paying for childcare, parenting issues, family activities and organisations that can offer further support.

• Tel: 01484 414887
• Email: fis@kirklees.gov.uk

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Texting service

You can text these keywords:

• childcare
• parenting
• activities
• organisations
• money

Plus:

• your name

To this number:

• 07800 002 431

An information officer will call you back within 6 working days to talk about how we can help you. Standard network charges apply.

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