Pre-School

Pre-School in the Scottish Borders

Learning & Playing Together

Pre-school education is available for all children for up to 5 part time sessions of 2.5 hours per week. Children born between March and February can start the term after their third birthday. Terms begin in August, January and April.

When do I enrol my child?

An advert will appear in the local press early in February telling you the date of enrolment week. It is important to enrol if you want to get the place of your choice. Even children who will not start until January or April of the following year should enrol. Your child might only be 2 at the time.

Where can my child go for pre-school education?

You have the choice of 3 types of setting. Scottish Borders Council has pre-school classes in 46 Primary Schools. It also commissions 36 private and voluntary groups to deliver pre-school education. The 3 types are:

Playgroup
Pre-school class in a primary school
Private nursery

What kind of education do they provide?

All 3 groups provide pre-school education according to national 3-5 Curricular Guidelines and Care Commission standards. These guidelines ensure that your child will experience a wide curriculum covering:

Emotional, Personal and Social Development
Communication and Language
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Expressive and Aesthetic Development
Physical Development and Movement

Your child will cover all these areas through play alongside other children. A very important part is learning to share and play with other children, to develop independence and confidence, to listen to others and to be able to express their ideas so others understand.

All 3 groups have staff who have training in Childcare and Education. These adults plan, observe, assess and record your child's development.

What is the difference then?

Each type of setting offers its own unique type of service:

Playgroups are long established and are run by parent led committees.
Pre-school classes in Primary Schools are staffed by nursery teachers and nursery nurses. Some have Wrap Around and Top Up Care. Some schools also have Out of School Clubs.
Private nurseries usually provide complete Daycare and Out of School Care for a wide range of ages. Your child's pre-school session can be part of this.

How many sessions does my child have to attend?

Children in their pre-school year are expected to attend for 5 sessions a week. Usually this will be 5 mornings or 5 afternoons. Children in the year before their pre-school year can attend as many sessions as you feel is right for your child. The minimum is usually 2 but all children are entitled to 5 sessions.

Do I have anything to pay?

There is no charge for pre-school education but you may be asked for a contribution of around £2 per week to buy snacks, baking materials etc.

When will I know if my child has been allocated a place?

Places are usually allocated by the end of the first week in May. Hopefully you will be offered a place at your first or second choice. If that is not possible you may be offered a place in another nursery.

How are places allocated?

Private nurseries and playgroups each have their own ways of allocating places. Pre-school places are allocated by age, the oldest first. Priority is given to children with additional needs.

Can I choose morning or afternoon?

You can state a preference. We will try to accommodate your wishes but it may not always be possible.

For Further Information:

Children's Information Service: Tel: 01896 758186 www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk

Scottish Borders Council - Early Years: Tel: 01835 824000