How valuable is pre-school? Should there be any structure or just let them do whatever?

[gabid]

I am a but confused. My DD (soon 3.5) goes to a pre-school attached to our nice little village school 2 mornings per week. The pre-school have lovely facilities and a big garden with climbing castle shared with the reception class. Sounds perfect, easy transition to class R.

However, the pre-school is a charity and parents go in to help one session per 1/2 term. The session starts with 5 min on the carpet and a little chat. Then DC play. When they feel like it they can have a snack they have brought from home. Then they play, inside or outside. At the end there is another 5 min carpet time where they might sing a song.

DD sometimes finds it difficult to keep herself occupied for 3 hours with the toys on offer. Somethimes there is painting which she loves, but generally lots of puzzles, some building stuff, they have 2 computers, toys change a bit, but DD is not too excited. Should there be a bit more? E.g. more songs with movement, dance, stories, a theme ...??? I am not an EY specialist - that's why I am asking.

I can't see DD being stimulated there 5 mornings per week, especially at age 4+. Another mum with a 4yo DD said her DD was bored and the keyworker suggested to start her on writing .

When I am with my DD we go to places, chat all day, read books, sing, play games, paint, go swimming, stick, cut, meet friends, have fun, go to the library, shopping, use the computer and talk, talk, talk.

I can't really see the point of pre-school other than learning to socialise and line up.

Your balance with her is brilliant, if you can't find somewhere better and think she'll be bored 5 sessions a week it sounds like she would do well to be there a few mornings for the social aspect but learning wise she will do really well with you! Unfortunately many children need to be at pre-school as they get nothing at home at all - your DD is lucky to have you so involved in what she does!

I have been to that meeting now. The pre-school is going out for Tender, they are looking for a good/outstanding provider to take over the management.

It was quite sad. All the staff and Committee were very emotional, they have had a very difficult time trying to improve standards together with the Council, the Committee (made up of parents) is in a complete muddle with policies and paperwork.

There are some close knit groups in this village who don't want to upset each other, e.g. 'I don't really want to discipline my sister in law' one being staff and the other on the Committee.

Its a mess! And I think a good professional outside provider would be the best way to improve provision for the children.