Can you explain preschool to me please?

[TinyDiamond]

My dd is only 1 so a bit of a way off yet but I just wondered how it works?
I know you don't get any 'free' hours at a preschool until they are 3 but can you pay to send them before then?
How much does it cost is it the same as a nursery fee, if so I won't be sending her sooner as prices are high for nurseries round here.
Thanks sorry I'm a bit clueless I work in secondary education I have no clue about the tiny ones!

most preschools - take them from some age over 2 - my DCs went about 21/2
its normally quite a bit cheaper than nursery around 10 pounds for a 3 hour session - that's at a community run pre-school which are normally not run for profit - some schools also have nurseries - which are normally only for 3 and above. However this all does vary from area to area - some areas also have long waiting lists for preschools so it would do no harm to look around now.
BTW personally although I think its good for children to have some preschool/nursery experience before school - there is no need unless you want to for it to start before 3

You get 15 hours free for education before school from the term after they turn 3. That can be used in a variety of places - private nursery, school nursery classes, community preschool, some childminders. Some of those places will take children younger than that, but it depends on the setting. It is all independent, so you have to look around your area to see what is there and what the rules are for each one. The words "nursery", "preschool", "playgroup" can mean a variety of things. You need to look at the actual setting to see what hours they do, over what weeks, and for what price.

Now would be a good time to look round because many places will have waiting lists and you don't want to miss out somewhere that might take that into account. If going on the waiting list is free, then put your DD's name down so you have as much choice as possible when the time comes.

Oh wow ok that's great I had no idea that now would be a good Time to start looking!