For many, it will probably feel like you’ve only just got your child settled into nursery, and other parents are already discussing preschool. The exact meaning and differences can be unclear, so we thought we’d break down what the differences are, and where Child Dynamix comes in.
What’s the Difference?
Nursery is generally for children between about 6 months and 3 years. Less of a formal educational setting, nurseries focus on play and exploration.
Preschool is generally for children between 3 years and 5 years. This is seen as a transitional step before starting Reception in Primary School. There is more of a focus on structured learning.
A lot of nurseries, including all our Child Dynamix nurseries, combine both a nursery and preschool in one site. We take children from 6 months all the way up until 5 years, before they move on to school. Our nurseries are all laid out with separate areas for separate age ranges, so you can ensure your child is engaging in age-appropriate learning with children of similar ages. So although we are called, for example, ‘Child Dynamix Savoy Road Nursery’ you can really read ‘Child Dynamix Savoy Road Nursery & Preschool’.
To Stay or Not To Stay? Is a Separate Preschool Better?
Some parents choose to take their child out of nursery and attend a separate preschool, often one attached to their preferred primary school. Whilst for some this may be a good option, it is crucial to note that attending a preschool attached to a primary school is not a guarantee of a place at that school. Primary places are determined by the local authority and not by the school.
Here are some benefits of attending the same nursery and preschool:
- Fewer transitions for your child and you as a parent. Rather than having to view new preschools, make applications, meet new staff, sort out funding and more, the transition between nursery and preschool is automatic. Your child is likely to be settled as they are in the same location with the same staff, and don’t have to get used to a new environment again.
- The Early Years Foundational Stage (EYFS) has to be used by all providers – nurseries and preschools alike. This document outlines a framework for what children should learn and how this progress should be tracked. So whether they attend a preschool attached to a primary school, or a preschool within a nursery, they will still receive the same great education.
- Nurseries sometimes have higher ratios than preschools. Our Child Dynamix sites, for example, have a ratio of 1 staff member to every 8 children, rather than 1 to every 13 as is mandated at a preschool – so your child is better supported.
- Staff are often just as qualified regardless of nursery or preschool. At Child Dynamix, all our staff hold a minimum of a Level 2 Qualification in Childcare, as well a an Enhanced DBS.
- Many preschools attached to schools operate term-time only and during ‘school hours’ (9-3). At Child Dynamix we are open 8am – 6pm every week, only closing around Christmas and Bank Holidays. So you don’t need to sort childcare over summer – we’re still open!
- Early Years Funding is accepted at nurseries and preschools alike, so any hours you are eligible for can be taken at either site.
Conclusion
Choosing the right educational path for your child can feel overwhelming. Our advice is to always go with your gut and what feels right for your child. If they attend a nursery they love, why transition to a different preschool and unsettle them? If the nursery however doesn’t feel like the right ‘fit’, maybe it’s good to move them on. Whilst there is often a lot of peer pressure to do what other parents are doing, or go where other children are going, children make friends very quickly. Ultimately you have to decide what the best environment for your child is, and not allow what other people perceive as being the best option to influence you.