How does nursery differ from reception?

[hellogg87]

My family is about to move to the UK from the US and I'm still trying to learn about the education system over there. We have a daughter who will attend a day nursery/preschool (3 days a week) for awhile before starting Reception. Can anyone tell me what are the biggest differences between preschool/day nursery etc and Reception? Aside from the amount of time spent there, of course. For example, is there any emphasis on reading and maths or is it all just playing? I know both follow EYFS so what are the key differences?

Nursery/preschool is not compulsory. Reception is the first year of formal schooling, you start the September you are 4 in 1st Sept (assuming England or Wales, different in Scotland).

The curriculum carries on from Nursery/preschool, but IME, much, much more emphasis on reading.My dc could recognise letters, their names and some basic words when they left nursery, and some phonics, but I’d never say that they were able to read. This seems to be the main difference with Reception.

Also, bear in mind that the term “Nursery” is also used to mean “private day care”. These places follow EYFS with children te right age, and often have children who come in just for this, for certain hours, but also have younger children and babies, and provide care typically 7.30 am -6 pm or so.

“Nursery School” or “Preschool” is usually associated with an Infant/Primary/First School, and runs for shorter hours during the school day and term time.

But reading is the big thing. Numbers, counting, simple arithmetic too.

@BikeRunSki thank you! This is helpful. She will be attending a "kindergarten" which is only for 3-5 year olds. Children can attend full time, so I guess it's also a Day Nursery for some, but we are sending her for 15 hours a week.

Kindergarten is the sane as s nursery school/preschool I think. The age range would certainly suggest this. Is it attached to a school?

Sorry - ignore my immediately previous post! Kindergarten is usually a private provision , often attached to a school.

Ratios are different too.

In Reception children have 1 teacher, and (usually, but not compulsory) 1 Teaching Assistant for 30 children in a mainstream state school (in the school year they turn 5). This will be different if you are talking about a private school (which you pay for).

In a school Nursery (ie, where there is a qualified teacher) then the ratio is 1 adult to 13 children.

In a Nursery where there isn't a qualified teacher (and this often applies to Private Schools' Nurseries, under many different names, but also private and voluntary day care), then the ratio for the preschool year is one adult to every 8 children.

It really is tremendously confusing, because the words are completely interchangeable - Nursery, Pre-school, Nursery class, Nursery school, Daycare , kindergarton etc - there is no regulation about what anyone can call themselves so it is very difficult to know from afar, what the provision is.

@BackforGood thank you! And yes, the terms are very confusing haha

School uniform.

You will probably cry when you see her, but when she goes into reception she will probably be wearing a school uniform.

Some nurseries have a uniform but it is not usual.

Also you will have to apply through your local council for a place at school (reception is the start of school) whereas nursery / kindergarten etc you choose.

You get to give a few options for school but the council has the final say and different schools have different entry criteria, don't expect to get your nearest school just because you live next door.

www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/applying

I have 3dc, dc2 and 3 are in reception and pre school. Preschool is all about the child learning to socialise, explore, and learn about the world around them. This is all play based activities with lots of hand on activities. School is an extention of this. The reception teacher said that reception is the year group that learns the most, she is right. There is a lot of creative activities but these are all taylored to help develop childrens fine motor skills, they will learn to read, write, count, be able to correctly use terms such as behind, on top off, underneath. They promote independence, so toileting and dressing will be encouraged, sharing and listening to instruction, the amount of learning in reception is astounding.... by god they are tired though!

Kindergarten is used for very posh preschools/day nurseries here. If your dc turns 4 before September you should apply for a school place, if not council applications vary in timing for 2020 entry, here they are in October and private are already open.

My son's Nursery has a uniform. It's the same as the primary the nursery is attached to. He's a polobshirr, school jumper, school coat/fleece and Mark's n Spencer's trousers. It's so cute op

Polo shirt

Reception is US kindergarten but it starts a year earlier than in the US. Nursery is daycare. Preschool is generally the year before reception. We have had kids go to both US system and UK.

How old is your child? Are you going state (public) or private for schools?