Nursery school or class

Child age range

• Usually 3 years - 5 years

• Nursery schools and nursery classes provide early years education and childcare

Facts

• Some schools and classes are part of the local authority school education system, others are run by private and voluntary sector organisations such as Independent Schools.

• Children receive learning and development activities suitable for their age.

• Some nursery schools or classes may also offer out of school care before or after school during term time and in the school holidays.

• The size of a school or class does vary, but there should be at least one practitioner allocated to every 13 children, and the team will include qualified teachers and nursery assistants.

• There is only a small number of local authroity maintained nursery schools or classes in Hampshire.

Quality assurance

• All nursery schools and nursery classes who care for children under the age of 8 must be registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

• All nursery schools and nursery classes that provide part time early years education for 3 and 4 year olds are inspected by Ofsted.

• Parents can ask nursery schools for a copy of their Ofsted inspection report or go online.

Costs

• Places are free if the nursery school or class is part of the local authority school education system (except for meals, trips and uniforms, etc)

• Nursery schools that are run by private and voluntary organisations charge fees.

• Nursery schools that are on the Hampshire County Council's ‘Directory of Providers’ provide part time early years education for 3 and 4 year olds which is free to parents.

• Financial support is available from Tax Credits or employer supported Childcare Vouchers depending on the family's income.

Times available

• Open during school hours, usually 9am to 3:30pm, term time only.

• Full or half day sessions are provided.