Pre-school Guide for Parents

Starting pre-school is a big step, for both children and parents! It’s an exciting time that marks the beginning of your child’s journey. But we get it, you probably have a lot of questions. When do children start pre-school? What’s the right pre-school age? And what kind of pre-school activities will help your child grow and thrive? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this friendly and informative guide to help you feel confident about this next chapter.

What is Pre-school?

Pre-school is a fun and engaging learning environment designed for children before they start primary school. It’s a space where little ones can explore, play, and develop important social, emotional, and learning skills. Kids Planet offers early years education from birth to five. Our approach ensures a smooth transition from early years to pre-school, where children are specifically prepared for school. pre-school at Kids Planet combines structured learning with plenty of play, allowing children to grow in confidence and independence while developing the essential skills they need for school and beyond.

What age do children start pre-school?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here! The pre-school age generally falls between 3 and 4 years old, but it’s important to remember that each child develops at their own pace. Most pre-schools welcome children from the autumn after their third birthday, but some may accept younger ones. At Kids Planet, your child will be able to transition from nursery to pre-school without changing settings, helping to create a smooth and stress-free transition. 

If your child is not in nursery and you are wondering if your child is ready, think about their ability to communicate, follow simple routines, and manage little tasks like putting on their shoes or using the toilet. If they’re showing signs of independence and curiosity, they might just be ready for pre-school. 

Benefits of Pre-school

Pre-school isn’t just about ABCs and counting to ten – it’s about setting your child up for a love of learning! Here are some of the key benefits it can bring for your child: 

• Building a love for learning: Through play, stories, and hands-on activities, children develop curiosity and a passion for exploring new things.
• Developing social skills: Sharing, taking turns, making friends – pre-school is a great place for little ones to learn how to interact with others in a fun, safe environment.
• Boosting independence: Learning how to follow routines, make simple choices, and do small tasks on their own helps children grow in confidence.
• School Readiness: Pre-school lays the foundation for key skills like listening, problem-solving, and even early phonics, reading and writing, making the transition to school smoother.

Pre-school activities 

Every pre-school is different, but at Kids Planet we follow a routine that balances structure with play. We understand that play is important for the early stages of brain development and can help build relationships for later life – it also helps to develop important skills for learning, life and work. Here’s what your child can usually expect at Kids Planet:

• Free play and creative time: Arts and crafts, and imaginative play encourages creativity.
• Outdoor play and movement: Running, climbing, and group games help build strong bodies and motor skills. At Kids Planet we recognise that outdoor learning is a vital part of a child’s development and wellbeing and encourage outdoor play through our Udeskole approach. 
• Circle time and storytelling: A chance for your children to listen to stories, sing songs, and learn through interactive discussions.
• Snacks and lunch breaks: Providing nutritional food and snacks for the children in a social setting. 
• Learning activities: Fun games and activities designed to introduce early math, language, and problem-solving skills.
• Quiet time: A chance to rest and recharge, whether through a short nap or calming activities.

How to prepare your child for pre-school

Starting pre-school can feel like a big transition, but there are things you can do to help your child feel ready and excited:

• Establish a routine: Set up a regular wake-up, meal, and bedtime schedule to ease into the pre-school routine.
• Encourage independence: Practice skills like putting on shoes, washing hands, and tidying up toys.
• Talk about it: Talk about what pre-school is like, read books about starting school, and highlight all the fun things they’ll do.
• Visit together: If possible, take a trip to the pre-school before the first day to help your child get familiar with the space and meet the teachers. 

At Kids Planet, we offer open days where we will guide you through our thoughtfully designed environments, where children have the space and resources to play, explore, and learn. We’ll also cover our inclusive fees, which provide essentials such as nappies, wipes, formula, and sun cream. 

You’ll get to see our outdoor spaces, designed to support and challenge children’s physical development, as well as learn about our nutritious home-cooked meals. Plus, you’ll meet our dedicated, highly trained staff who are committed to providing the best care and education for your little ones.

By preparing in small ways, you can help your child feel more secure, excited, and ready to take on this new adventure!

FAQs about pre-school

• When do children start pre-school? Most children begin pre-school between 2.5 and 4 years old, depending on readiness of the child and space .

• How many hours does pre-school last? Pre-school schedules can vary, with some settings running for a few hours a day and others offering full-day sessions and wraparound hours for parents who work – we aim to be as flexible as possible to help suit you and your child.

• What are typical pre-school activities? Pre-school includes a mix of structured and free-play activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor play, singing, storytelling, and early literacy and numeracy games.

• Does my child need to be potty trained for pre-school? Some pre-schools require children to be potty trained, while others offer support in this area. It’s best to check with your chosen pre-school for their specific policy.

How to choose the right pre-school for you and your child

Picking the right pre-school for your little one can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! Start by checking out different options that are local to you and seeing what kind of environment they offer. Some focus more on play, while others have a more structured learning approach. 

Visiting in person is super helpful, you will get a feel for the staff, the environment, and whether the children attending seem happy and engaged. Also, think about the practical considerations like location, cost, and schedule to make sure it works for your family. 

All of our nurseries work in partnership with other childcare providers and local schools to ensure a smooth transition from nursery to school. We allocate a key person to your child who will continually assess and track the child’s learning development through a journal and observe your child’s progress within the EYFS. This ensures that we keep an eye on their development to know when they are ready to help the transition to the next stage be as smooth and stress-free as possible for both your child and you.

For more information on what Kids Planet can offer to your little one, you can download our Kids Planet Brochure. 

If you’re looking for a pre-school that can help grow and nurture your little one, find your nearest nursery today.