Please can you tell me the difference between nursery and preschool?

[CADS]

Just wondering if anyone can explain the difference between nursery and preschool. Which one is more education orientated and helps prepare our dcs for school?

A pre-school usually feeds into a particular school. A nursery can have a pre-school group which teaches the Key Stage 1 stuff as eficiently as a pre-school, but doesn't feed into a particular promary school.

nursery's are run by the LEA....
Pre-schools are run by a committee...

Education isn't really important at this age. What's far more important is that the nursery/preschool cherishes the child and prepares them for the social aspects of school: knowing how to behave, self-confidence, manners, what to do with the various activities (would you believe it that some children start school without knowing how to hold a crayon, or to turn the pages of a book, or even how to pour into a cup?). If a child is happy, confident and stimulated, then they will want to learn and enjoy it.

Nurseries usually offer all day care from a young age, but split the chidlren by age/development so may well have a more structured approach from about 2 1/2-3 including pre-school and other activities such as music. Preschools, like playgroups, are usually sessional ie. mornings/afternoons for perhaps 3 hours and may offer lunch. Some preschools are attached to schools, others in church halls or have dedicated premises. Both should work to the Early Years curriculum and be Ofsted inspected.

hth

In our area, pre-schools are registered with Ofsted and run along the same lines as school nurserys. Contact the Early years team at your local council or look on the council's website.