Pre-schools, sometimes known as playgroups, provide opportunities for young children to socialise, play and learn in a group setting. They are open in term times for part time sessions of around three hours. The number of weekly sessions varies from group to group with the majority of groups offering morning sessions four or five days a week.

Pre-schools usually cater for children aged between three and five, but some do have places for two year olds. Although the places are part time some working parents arrange for a childminder to drop and pick up their children at pre-school, and provide care for the remainder of the day.

Some pre-schools are run as private businesses, while others are organised by a voluntary management committee that usually includes parents of children attending the group. They operate from a variety of premises including church and community halls.

All pre-schools are registered with Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) and are required to meet the National Day Care Standards. The supervisor and at least half of the staff must hold a qualification in early years education and childcare.

Families Information Direct can send you a list of the pre-schools in your area along with our Choosing a pre-school leaflet and information about funding including Working Tax Credit and funded places for three and four year olds.

The lists provide contact numbers and include information about opening hours and fees. If you want to find pre-schools on line go to the Childcarelink website - but not all pre-schools agree to their details being on the internet.