Organization of Pre-School Education in the United Kingdom.

A nursery school is for children between the ages of three and five years, staffed by qualified teachers and other professionals who encourage and supervise educational play rather than simply providing childcare. The education Act of 1870 in England made five years the age limit for compulsory education. During the Second World War, the problem of bringing up children of mothers who served in the war came up. Hence the health department had to open up several types of schools for children. 1. Full time infant schools- These catered for children who ranged between a few months and five years were open for 12-15 hours a day. 2. Part time infant- These were for children between the years of 2-5 and were open during normal hours. 3. Infant schools- For children between 5-7 years. These wee special types of schools especially designed for England.

Montessori in England is called F1 which is the first year before they go into primary or infants. The curriculum goals of a nursery school are more specific than for childcare, but less strenuous than for primary school. For example, the Scottish Early Years Framework and the Curriculum for Excellence define expected outcomes even at this age. In some areas, the provision of nursery school services is on a user pays or limited basis while other governments fund nursery school services. In UK, pre-school educations in nursery classes or schools are fully funded by local government for children above the age of three. Each child in England at the first school term is after their third birthday is entitled for five two and a half hour sessions per week - in some counties this has gone up to 15 hours. The Early Learning Goals cover the main areas of education without being subject driven. These areas include

Personal, social and emotional development Language, literacy and communication Mathematical development Knowledge and understanding of the world Physical development Creative development

A survey carried out in the UK in 1974 by the School Board showed that different types of institutions have been established for the benefit of children. At present the following system of schools is in existence in England. 1. Infant Classes affiliated to infant schools These classes are established under the supervision of infant schools. The age of entry is two years and the classes are held during the same time the Infant Schools are conducted. These classes are handled by teachers who have undergone special training in infant education. 2. Daily Infant Schools These are sponsored by the department of Social Service. Infants who range from few weeks to five years are admitted to these classes. 3. Private Infant Schools Most often children of middle class parents and of high professionals are admitted to these feeder schools. They adopt either the Montessori or Kindergarten method. 4. Child Minders Here the children are looked after in the homes of the child minders from the time they are entrusted to them by parents till they are taken back at the end of the day. 5. The Play Group Movement This was established in 1961. A play group is formed of children of the ages of 2 years to 6 years. There are 06 30 children in a group. The mothers of the group take turns to be with the group. The state gives grants to this movement and also encourages mothers especially to establish educational priority areas.

6. Day cares/ crches These institutions were first established in France. These were attached to working places and factories where children of working mothers are looked after for the whole day.