What is a Pre-School?

A pre-school is an early years setting where young children under statutory school age have the opportunity to learn through play. Pre-schools may also be called playgroups, nurseries or kindergartens and half of the staff must hold an early years qualification. Pre-schools may be run privately, by the council, or by volunteers. The Blues Pre-School is an educational charity run by a management committee of volunteers made up of parents, ex-parents and other interested parties.

Pre-schools are inspected by Ofsted and are required to offer the Early Years Foundation Stage  curriculum for all children from Birth until the end of the Reception year.  

Advantages of pre-school education at Blues

• Blues Pre-School is registered and inspected regularly.
• It is run by trained staff.
• It is community-based.
• Your child will be among children his/her own age.
• Your child will have access to play and learning opportunities, and to a Government-approved early years curriculum.
• You are able to become involved yourself.

Things to consider when choosing pre-school education at Blues

• You may need additional childcare as the pre school offers 3 hour morning sessions for funded children and 2.5 hour sessions for children aged 2-3.
• The staff won't be able to look after your child if he or she is ill.
• There are some fees involved, although your child may be entitled to a free part-time place.

Free Early Years Education

All children in England are entitled to receive a free, good quality, part-time early education place beginning the term after their third birthday. From 1st January 2010 the Blues are offering 15 hours per week free provision for funded 3 year old children for 38 weeks of the year.

The Blues pre-school has also been selected to offer up to 15 hours free for two year olds.  This is for families who receive certain benefits and tax credits (other criteria may also apply).  Please call us or come in to find out details about this.

Free early years education is delivered through various settings including pre-school groups, children's centres, accredited childminders who are part of networks approved to deliver early education, nursery and reception classes in primary schools, nursery schools and private nurseries.

All children eligible to receive free good quality early years education will do so regardless of the setting they attend. This is because all settings in receipt of government funding to deliver free early years education are required to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
 
The Early Years Foundation Stage focuses on the distinct needs of children aged three until the end of the reception year of primary school. It is a broad, balanced and purposeful curriculum, delivered through planned play activities to help ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential and experience the best possible start to their education.