Nursery or preschool and when?!

[mariasmummy]

Hello folks.

Can someone please clarify for me when the baby can sign for preschool? Sorry to be dim. I have been told they can go from 2.5 but all the literature says they start after they are 3. Also what is it called- is it called Nursery or Infant school? Working mum's pay from an early age I know. Am trying to find out about what the state options are.
Thanks!

in our area you can take advantage of 12.5hours free nursery provision the term after they turn 3 (some areas have 15 hours provision). DS was 3 in October and got his free hours from the January term. I had to apply for his place in the January after he turned 2 - I went to the nursery and got an application form (had to put 3 choices of nursery in order of preference). Look on your local authority website as it should tell you the procedure you have to follow.

Seona you should be getting 15hours that is your entitlement wherever you live www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Preschooldevelopmentandlearning/NurseriesPlaygroupsReceptionClasses/DG_10016103
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/1008405/Pledge-extend-free-entitlement-nursery-education-15-hours-upheld/

Nurseries are often places that will take children for different sessions with a variety of ages up to 5. When the child turns 3 this can then be claimed from government (so often good for working mums).

Preschool is normally specific sessions (e.g. morning or afternoon) and yes, it is 15 hours the term after 3 but different preschools have different admission policies.

I dont know whether scotland differs as we have not had the hours increased. The nursery has started taking children from the day after their 3rd birthday now though rather than having to wait until the next term - maybe that is their way of getting round the 15 hour thing

In Scotland it is 475 hours a year rather than a weekly entitlement

Our pre school take children from 2 and a half.
Funding for 15 hours a week- term time starts the term after they turn 3.
Many larger schools have pre schools attached.