No, pre-school and nursery are not exactly the same, though they both provide early childhood education. While both offer care and learning opportunities for young children, they differ in age range, approach, structure and educational focus.
What Is Nursery?
Nursery refers to early years childcare available for children from as young as three months old up to five years old. Many nurseries provide full-day care, focusing on play-based learning and social development. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 63% of children under five in the UK attend some form of nursery.
What Is Pre-School?
Pre-school is typically for children aged three to five and is more structured than nursery. It prepares children for primary school by introducing early literacy, numeracy and social skills in a classroom-like setting. Research by the Department for Education (DfE) shows that 94% of three- and four-year-olds in England benefit from government-funded early education.
How Do Their Structures Differ?
Nurseries usually provide flexible childcare with full-day or half-day options, making them suitable for working parents. In contrast, pre-schools often have set sessions, such as mornings or afternoons, following a more structured curriculum.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides both settings, but pre-schools generally focus more on school readiness.
Do They Follow the Same Curriculum?
Both nursery and pre-school follow the EYFS framework, which covers communication, physical development, personal and social skills, and basic literacy and numeracy. However, nurseries tend to emphasise play and exploration, while pre-schools introduce more structured learning experiences to build school readiness.
Who Runs Nurseries and Pre-Schools?
Nurseries can be private, council-run or attached to schools, while pre-schools are often part of primary schools or community centres. Some nurseries also have designated pre-school rooms that provide a more structured learning environment for older children.
Which Is Better for My Child?
The choice between nursery and pre-school depends on your child’s age, needs and your family’s schedule. If you need full-time childcare, a nursery may be more suitable. If your child is approaching school age and needs structured learning, pre-school might be the best option.
Do Both Offer Government Funding?
Yes, both nursery and pre-school settings offer government funding for eligible children. In England, all three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week, with some families qualifying for 30 hours. Many two-year-olds from low-income households can also access funding for nursery education.
Summary
While nursery and pre-school share similarities, they serve slightly different purposes. Nurseries provide care from infancy with a focus on play, while pre-schools focus on structured learning to prepare children for school. Choosing the right setting depends on your child’s developmental needs and your family’s childcare requirements.