Pre-schools and playgroups offer play and education for two to five year-olds, usually part-time only, either in the mornings or in the afternoons. They must be inspected and registered by Ofsted.

A pre-school or playgroup can be organised by the community on a not-for-profit basis, often with help from parents. They are a good way of extending your childcare and some are developing their services to offer longer sessions or full-time daycare.

Most pre-schools or playgroups provide places for between 24 and 28 children. Minimum staffing ratios are 1:4 for two year-olds and 1:8 for children aged three to five years old. Most staff are trained to work with children or are in the process of being training.

Cost

Please use the contact details at the foot of this page for up-to-date local costs.

All three and four-year-olds are entitled to a free part-time early education place. This means that each week your child will be provided with 12 and a half hours of free early education for 38 weeks each year. The council will offer an extended entitlement of 15 hours per week by 2010.

Useful information

For a list of pre-schools and playgroups in your area, contact the Family Information Service using the details below, or access the online service directory at: http://www.medwayfisd.com.