What does your child do at pre-school (3-5 years old) - manager´s perspective

[KindMum]

HI, I´ve been visiting pre-schools for my DS and am astonished by what the manager of a (previously favourite) place said about his school. I tried to get the man to talk a little about what the children do and all I could elucidate is that they go to nursery to "play". Full stop. This pre-school is the most expensive available in my area, has excellent facilities, great staff etc., a very good reputation. What do you think the role of a pre-school is? Wasn´t it reasonable to expect a little bit more information than I got?! His attitude has really put me off signing up!

[purpleturtle]

Do you think he's used to parents who want their children to achieve educationally at pre-school - maybe he was trying to discourage that kind of thinking?

[Lizzylou]

t preschool, ADS1 does play in the main, but he also learns loads too. They have themes ie. Our Bodies and the 1/2 term will be all about that, the games they play/stories they read, arts and crafts they do.
They do encourage reading and writing (almost all can recognise their own name after a few weeks and write name before school).

[Lizzylou]

Sorry, "At Preschool, DS1..."

[KindMum]

Interesting point. Maybe. But isn´t he basically putting down what the staff try to do with children this age, and shouldn´t he have given a bit more info on how the children spent their day? I also asked what opportunities they have for dance and PE and he was very dismissive - children are naturally active - don´t worry about it type of attitude..

[pageturner]

Hmm, my three all went to the same pre-school (live in a village) and have had varying experiences. Ds2 (4.4 and about to leave) does a lot of play: outdoors (bikes and running about), creative and messy, role play. lots of stuff. They have a theme every half term and do some (vaguely) structured activies within that. For instance, atm they're doing minibeasts and they've made snails in clay which will be painted, they did snail paintings yesterday, they've grubbed through dirt and stuff looking for creepy crawlies, ummm, went out looking for butterflies and things. A lot of it is free play too, but they have a story session at the end and they often to baking in small groups.

Was any of that any help?! Not sure if it was! For what it's worth, I don't expect huge amounts of 'educational' input at pre-school. There's plenty of time for literacy and numeracy. I think he's there to play, in a safe and warm environment, and do lots of noisy and messy stuff that I don't want to do at home!

[pageturner]

Having said all that, ds2 can read and write his own name, knows most of his letters and can count to a hundred. But I think that has more to do with his siblings tbh.

[KindMum]

oops, posts crossing! Thanks everyone. This "theme" idea seems a good one - I would have been happier if he had said something like this as it at least gives a bit structure to the children´s play. Shouldn´t the los get more out of pre-school than they get playing at home with mummy?

[Nbg]

My dd's school has themes over a term and they do lots of things around this.

They also learn about different religious festivals and make foods from their cultures to bring home.
In fact they make alot of food. I think so far we've had some indian rice concoction which was really yummy, fruit salads, pasta salads, buns, pizzas, sandwiches. I could go on

They also have a part in the day when have free play. My dd mostly draws and paints or whenever there is clay out, she will make something with that.
They've had a gardening thing recently and she came home with a sunflower that they planted. It now about 6ft tall

I could go on.
I think the manager should be a bit more specific as to what they do. At the end of the day this your childs first taste of school if you like and its important that its right for her.

[KindMum]

Thanks, I would be pleased in your situation!

[pinkteddy]

Just got the following from our local authority's website family section where it talks about pre-schools, day nurseries and creches:

'Group care allows children opportunities to socialise with other children and to learn through play. Children are provided with opportunities to experiment and learn through activities such as sand, water, paint, construction, imaginative toys, music and movement, and other activities to help develop early language, mathematical and social skills. Group settings must also provide an area for children who wish to rest/sleep or play quietly.'

HTH

[aintnomountainhighenough]

My DD attends the local pre-school and when I asked them, just after she had joined, what the children would be doing i.e. could they give me the topics they would be covering etc I was just told that it is 'children led' and they 'learn through play'. Don't get me wrong, she loves it there but from what I can see there isn't much structure. I have seen other pre-schools/kindergartens and when I asked the same question I was given examples of 'learning through play' with a full explanation of what they are trying to achieve and teach the children in each element. Personally I think alot of places are getting away with 'learning through play' as an explanation of everything they do since to be honest surely children are always learning when they are playing!

[Bouquetsofdynomite]

I wouldn't worry - if it's the most expensive one and has a long waiting list that means it has a great reputation and parents are sending subsequent children there. Check the OFSTED report and talk to other parents if poss. His sales pitch / attitude may irritate but the results should speak for themselves.

[XcupcakemummyX]

there is a lot of pressure for children to learn from a very early age, a safe and caring enviroment is important, plus the mamagers manage and sit in their office