Pre-schools

Information about early years education options for children under five. Topics include funding, choosing providers, preparation strategies and understanding developmental readiness.

Choosing a School That Isn't Close to Home

Sending your child to a distant school might seem smart, but it creates real problems with friendships and logistics that are worth considering first.

Choosing Education for Under 5s

Compare nurseries, playgroups, childminders and other pre-school options to find the right fit for your under 5.

Financing a Private School Education

Find out how much private school costs and what payment options can help spread the financial burden across the year.

Finding the Perfect Pre-school

Help your child find the right pre-school by knowing what to look for, where to search, and how different early learning options compare.

Free Early Learning for 3 and 4 Year Olds

Your 3 or 4 year old in England qualifies for free early learning hours, here's how to access them in your area.

Getting Help with Pre-school Costs and Fees

Pre-school costs between £2 and £7 per session, but three and four year olds in England get 12.5 free hours weekly through the government scheme.

Getting Your Child Ready for Pre-school

Help your child adjust to pre-school with practical tips on toilet training, behaviour, and preparing them for their first days.

How Pre-schools Help Children Prepare for 'Real' School

Pre-school helps young children build social skills, confidence and basic learning habits they'll need when starting primary school.

I Moved from State School to Private School: Case Study

Catherine moved from state to private school at 11 and struggled at first, but eventually discovered what changed her mind about the switch.

Is Your Child Ready for Pre-school?

Your child's developmental readiness for pre-school depends on emotional, physical and social skills, not just age alone.

My Experience of a Private Secondary School: Case Study

A student on a music scholarship shares what it was really like attending private secondary school, from bullying to finding his place.

Preparing Your Young Child for the Discipline of School

Help your child adjust to school by building their discipline and social skills before the first day.

Reception Classes That Take Pre-schoolers

Some primary schools now accept pre-schoolers in their reception classes alongside older children, offering potential benefits and considerations for families.

Should You Move Your Child to a Different School?

Help your child adjust to school changes before making a move, and know when switching schools is actually the right call.

The Pros and Cons of a Private School

Weighing up private school costs against smaller classes, better exam results, and career networking benefits to help you decide what's right for your child.

Under 5s with Special Education Needs

If you're worried your under-5 has learning difficulties, here's what support and help is available through pre-school.

What Happens at Pre-school?

A typical pre-school day includes registration, free play with various activities, and structured learning tasks to help children adjust to this new experience.