Playgroups And Pre-schools
Pre-schools and playgroups
Pre-schools also known as playgroups, provide a full range of early learning, play and social activities and care for children on a sessional basis. This is usually for two and a half to three hours in the morning or afternoon during term time in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. Some Pre-schools may offer extra hours or ‘wrap around care’ and open in school holidays to cater for working parents.
Pre-schools will provide a range of activities offering children the opportunity to experiment and learn through such activities as sand, water, paint, construction and imaginative toys, music and movement and many more additional activities personal to each setting.
The regulation of pre-schools
All Pre-schools are registered and inspected by the Early Years Directorate within Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education. All registered Pre-school settings have to meet 14 national standards relating to
- health and safety,
- equipment,
- care and
- learning.
If the setting is registered to receive Nursery Education Grant they will also undergo an Ofsted Early Years Education Inspection, to ensure they are meeting the learning goals for children’s educational development. Inspection reports and action plans are available to read in each setting.
The ages and numbers groups are registered
Pre-schools provide care and early education for children between the ages of 3 and 5 years. Some groups take children from 2 years. They will have registered places for between 10 and 26 children depending on the space and facilities available.
Costs and booking places
Pre-school sessions vary in cost, between £3.50 - £9 per session depending upon whether the child can access Nursery Education Funding and the length of the session. Most Preschools allocate places from their waiting list according to their admission policies.
Once the child reaches 3 and 4 Year Old Funding eligibility age, the child will be eligible to receive up to five two and a half sessions per week for 11 weeks of the term. Eligibility criteria will vary depending on the authority where the child lives. Working parents may be able to get help with costs if they are eligible to receive the Working Tax Credit. Please ask for a leaflet from the Children’s Information Service.
Staff qualifications and training
All Pre-school settings are required to employ a number of qualified staff. Currently at least half the Pre-school staff in each setting will have relevant childcare qualifications. Pre-schools offer an adult to child ratio of 1:8 minimum for children aged 3 to 5. The ratio is 1:4 for children aged 2 to 3 years old. Each child may be allocated an individual member of staff to act as their key person, who will establish an understanding of the child’s development and progress and liaise closely with parents. All staff are checked to ensure they are suitable to look after children.
Choosing a pre-school
Ask your local Children’s Information Service for a list of Pre-schools before your child reaches the age of 3 years. Contact the Pre-school leader/manager by phone or letter to ask about availability of places, waiting lists and charges.
Book visits to see the Pre-schools with your child. It’s advisable to visit several groups and make a selection from the ones appropriate to your needs and the needs of your child.
You can search for registered childcare providers in Poole by visiting the Directgov 
and Childcare Link websites.
Questions you may wish to ask pre-school staff
- Is the Pre-school registered to receive 3 and 4 year old funding?
- Is there an outside area, which the children can use?
- How much are the fees and when do I pay?
- Would I have to pay if my child was absent, through sickness or due to family holidays?
- What sort of ratio is there between staff and children?
- What qualifications and experience do the staff have?
- How do staff care for and interact with the children?
- Are key persons allocated?
- How is unacceptable behaviour managed and what is the pre-school’s policy on behaviour management?
- Are trips and visits organised?
- What range of activities are on offer?
- What type of snacks are provided?
- What facilities are available for children with Special Needs?
- What records are kept on the children?
- Ask to see the Ofsted Inspection Reports & Action Plans.
Additional contacts:
- PSLA - Pre-School Learning Alliance: 020 7833 0991
- Daycare Trust: 020 7840 3350
- Ofsted Helpline: 0845 601 4771
- Poole Localities and Childcare Team: 01202 261900
- Tax Credit Helpline: 0845 300 3900
Directgov