Nursery vs Playgroup

[MrsNoggin]

Ok, this will sound silly, but what is the difference?

My DD has been going to nursery on a Wednesday afternoon since she turned two. I felt it would benefit her to socialise with other children without me there. This, of course, costs me a ridiculous sum of money for five hours a week.

However, recently a friend of a friend told me her daughter goes to playgroup three days a week from 10 - 3. I feel rather stupid, but what is the difference? Would my two-year-old get a place? Is it cheaper? DD would love to go more than once a week, but it's just not possible with nursery prices!

I feel I am missing something here.

TBH my DC's go to a nursery and when I visited a playgroup I thought it was awful and decided to stick with nursey until they go to school.

Obviously every playgroup is different, but I am more comfortable with nursery. The playgroup staff were useless .

I don't think they feed the children at playgroup either, nurserys do hot food (at least our one does).

But playgroup is much cheaper. There might be a good one near you?

Playgroup or pre-school is run on a committee basis and the sessions are usually shorter. They don't usually have their own building but tend to run from village halls, community centres and churches.

Most take children once they turn three thought some will take them at two and a half. There is often a parental involvment with rotas etc so it can be unsuitable for mums who work. I don't know what the charges are in comparison to nursery these days I have a feeling it is about £4-5 a half day session.

pre-schools are usually only term time so if you need childcare to work this may be a problem.