What is a pre-school?

Pre-schools, also known as playgroups or playschools, are for young children to learn through play in small groups. Most pre-schools open during term-time for sessions of around 2½ hours at a time, but some are open for the whole day. 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.

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What are the benefits of pre-school?

• Your child can enjoy learning and playing in a small group.
• Your child can acquire skills for school.
• Children often attend pre-school with children who they will move onto school with.
• You can meet and get to know parents in your area.
• You can help out if you have spare time.
• The group will have qualified staff.

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What will my child do at pre-school?

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.

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

Pre-schools are registered and regularly inspected by Ofsted. Checks are carried out on all staff to ensure they are suitable to look after children. At least half of the staff in any preschool must be qualified. There should be one member of staff for every eight children aged 3 to 5, and one member of staff for every four children aged 2 to 3. In addition the premises are inspected for safety.

Ofsted also check the quality of the delivery of the free early education sessions. You can ask to see the pre-school's latest inspection reports and registration certificate.

• Schools in Kirklees - Ofsted inspection reports

Wherever possible pre-schools have a parents rota so there are often additional adults to help with the activities. Parents who help regularly are also checked to ensure their suitability. Many pre-schools have successfully completed quality assurance awards.

• Quality assurance

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How many children will there be in pre-school?

Most pre-schools will provide places for between 12 to 24 children. There should be no more than 26 children in one room.

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What age range are the children in a pre-school?

Children in pre-schools are usually aged between 2½ and 5.

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When are pre-schools open?

Pre-schools usually open for sessions of around 2½ to 3 hours. Children often attend for morning or afternoon sessions. Most pre-schools have the same term dates as local schools.

Many preschools are now offering a lunch club or full days.

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What about full-time childcare?

Some parents arrange for children to go to pre-school with a childminder or consider other types of daycare, such as a nursery. Some pre-schools offer 9.00 to 3.30 during term time only.

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How much does a pre-school cost?

Pre-schools charge for children who are not eligible for free early education funding and for anything in addition to the free 2.5 hour sessions.

• Free early learning and care for 3 and 4 year olds

Average costs for 2 year olds are up to £5.75 per session. Lunch clubs and additional sessions are charged by the hour.

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How do I find a pre-school?

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

For more information about pre-school provision contact the Pre-school Learning Alliance:

• Tel: 020 7833 0991
• Website: Pre-school Learning Alliance (external site)

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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