Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 Right once again my brain has got into holiday mode......or overloaded getting my head around planning!!! What is everyone's definition of preschool, playgroup or nursery???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 A safe learning enviroment for children pre- school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 I'll say straight away that I dislike the term 'playgroup' because I feel it plays into the hands of the "well all they do is play" brigade. I'll admit to feeling quite miffed if anyone uses it in connection with my group! Pre-school is my preferred term because that's just what it is - a child's pre-school experience which sets them up for lifelong learning. Nursery has two meanings for me - childcare for babies and young children but also more structured school-like pre-school environment and usually attached to a school, or as part of the state-run provision. That said, my setting has pre-school and nursery in the title - I think the original owner was trying to flag up the fact that she was offering an educational establishment and not 'just' a playgroup. I'm not sure whether to remove the 'nursery' bit - am keeping it under review. Whatever we call ourselves is immaterial in a way, though - and although I have my own views I certainly wouldn't be troubled enough to have a heated debate about it. We continually face an uphill battle to get what we do recognised and valued within society - as we've discussed before on this forum! So what's in a name and does it matter? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet... (with apologies to the Bard if I didn't quote exactly). Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 I am the complete opposite Maz! I really like the term 'playgroup' as it gives a clear message that that is exactly what the children will be doing. Preschool to me gives the impression that the learning will be more formal but also that all we are good for is 'preparing' the children for school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 In our area quite a few people refer to toddler groups as playgroups, and so it can get ever so confusing. An interesting question about defintions too, Maz you are the owner aren't you, so does that mean that your pre-school is not a registered charity and not committee run? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 We've had this discussion in our area because of the Schools forum and the financial analysis we've had to do. Pre-school we decided was places where children children go for sessions of "education" nursery was where children go for full days or part days. we then got on the discussion that pre-schools were all nurseries if they did more than 4 hours!!!! which alot of pre-schools are now registered for. We then tried the discussion of Private and Voluntary and at that point we started to zone out!!!! The only thing I will say is that i'm like Maz I don't like the word playgroup as so many people think of parent and toddler groups as playgroups. I'm open 6 hours a day 5 days a week but do 2 sessions and we call ourselves a pre-school and definetly not a nursery. I think its one of those discussions that will go on for years. When Ofsted change next year we will all become nurseries I think if I have understood it properly with the new register. Its a personal thing although it depends on the hours more than anything and the age group you take. Now I'm totally confused Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 This is something that I have always had a problem with - sometimes parents prefer that groups are called nurseries but this does have connotations of full day care - playgroups often thought of as toddler groups with no educational content but on the other hand we should be putting out the message of learning through play. So I think pre-school tends to sit in the middle somewhere. Its a difficult one to get right. I dont have the answer I am afraid Nikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MaryEMac Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 I'm with Carol. I work in a playgroup and I'm proud to do so. (most of the time!!!!) Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 we call ourselves a preschool playgroup we are the group attatched to our school nursery our children come to learn through play before they attend our school this includes there grant funding sessions. Also in our case we offer the wrap around care for the school nursery. nursery denotes to us the maintained sector or private full day care. I like the term playgroup and did not drop it from our title but did include the former so parents know what we provide. we are as much child led & free flow as possible so I think the word playgroup is a good description. I take on board the view that some people may look down on this but thats their prob isnt it? i rather like the fact that the children who attend our group think that this is what they do when they are here , their progression and records show how much they learn and grow in life skills. we should celebrate play in all its glory. Mrs B you ask such great questions sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 Just checked the prospectus of my setting (shouldn't have to really I suppose) but we are a 'pre-school nursery' according to said prospectus. Not really sure where I am on this one although I have to say, I always think of nursery as more full day care but that's just me. As long as the children are settled, happy and safe, I don't think it matters what you're called (unless of course it is rude or unrepeatable!!!) Sally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rea Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 When the committee dropped the name playgroup I kept my old 'playgroup' T-shirts and wouldnt wear the 'pre-school' one unless I'd forgotten to do the washing. I love the term playgroup and I was happy for my children to go to 'just' a playgroup. I felt pre-school was a bit iffy and nursery, on the 3 visits I made to one were too formal and a bit starchy. This is going back a few years and I know some things have changed from working in them, but even now I like nothing better than to return to my old playgroup for a few hours just to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 We are a pre-school and dropped the playgroup name when the PLA changed their name-and I sometimes regret doing so. But a lot of parents call our toddler groups playgroup now so it would be difficult to go back. So I suppose I would consider playgroups to be toddler groups, pre-schools to the private and voluntary equivalent to LEA nurseries, and nurseries to be either state or day nurseries. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 Kindergarten; A bridge between home and school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 In our area quite a few people refer to toddler groups as playgroups, and so it can get ever so confusing. An interesting question about defintions too, Maz you are the owner aren't you, so does that mean that your pre-school is not a registered charity and not committee run? Yes that's right - not a charity and not committee run. Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Thanks for all the varied replies!!! The reason I ask this is because just before half term we had an enquiry from a parent...Our title is Bumble Bees Nursery.....open Monday - Friday 9 -3 term time only. She asked me if we were a nursery or pre-school. I answered that we were a nursery, but come of the phone and my mind started ticking away....What is the actual difference? Should we be could a pre-school which I personally like best. Often when people ask where do you work, and I answer in a nursery they automatically think with plants and flowers keep you replies coming, it's interesting to know what others think. mrsb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 I remember the discussions way back when the term 'preschool' came into being, the debate about the difference between 'playgroup' compared to 'preschool', and how it was felt that the change was undermining the essence of the true value of play in terms of childrens 'educational' experiences and opportunities. Many playgroup people felt undervalued and obliged to change their name due to misconceptions of the word 'play'. It was not their choice to change the name but It seemed easier to change a name rather than educate people on the value of play. Many changed their name to 'preschool' because of the perception this was seen to give to parents, market forces provoked the change of name rather than there being a change in the actual provision that was, and is still now offered. Learning through play. I wonder if the current emphasis on child initiated play planning will provoke another change in name? My group is called 'preschool' however, when I refer to my group in a business sense I call it preschool but when I refer to my group in general conversation, or to the children I slip back and call it playgroup, ie: On a Friday a child may say, "see you tomorrow" I'll reply "No I'll see you on Monday, playgroup isn't open tomorrow" Childrens Information Service (C.I.S.) definitions: Day Nurseries ( as opposed to night Nurseries??? ) Nurseries are for children under five years old to play and learn and have fun in groups while their parents work or study. Preschool Playgroups Playgroups or pre-schools provide sessions of play and education to children aged about 3 to 5. In my area it seems that playgroups offer morning sessions only, Preschools offer morning sessions only and some extended hours sessions, Day Nurseries offer all day and part time sessions, Nurseries within maintained sector offer 5 sessions per week and no flexibility, child must attend all 5 sessions, no extended hours offered. Playgroups take from 3+ yrs Preschools take from 2+yrs Day Nurseries take babies+ yrs Maintained Nurseries take from 3+ yrs. ( funded only children) There are exceptions to the above but this appears to be the norm comparing 29 different settings in my local area. In terms of business sense I think it is important to find out what parents definitions are of these different terms, because our 'name' will attract or detract from possible enquiries. Now what is the definition of a Childrens Centre in terms of provision in parents perceptions, depends on location I would guess?? Definitions of Preschool on the Web:Establishments mainly engaged in providing pre-primary school education. www.dest.gov.au/sectors/indigenous_education/programmes_funding/forms_guidelines/IEP_Provider_Guidelines_2005_2008/glossary.htm A beginning group or class enrolling children younger than 5 years of age and organized to provide educational experience under professionally qualified teachers in cooperation with parents during the year or years immediately preceding kindergarten (or prior to entry into elementary school when ... nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/glossary/p.asp an educational institution for children too young for elementary school wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn Preschool was a compilation album of early material from the Boston, Massachusetts hardcore punk band, Gang Green. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preschool (album) I LIKE THIS ONE Definitions of Playgroup on the Web: Playgroup is British dance act. Basically the project of musician and designer Trevor Jackson, they were leading lights of the electroclash movement. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playgroup (band) Definitions of pre-school playgroup on the Web: A pre-school playgroup, in everyday usage just a playgroup, is an organised group providing care and socialisation for children under five. ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-school playgroup Pre-school playgroup From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia • Learn more about citing Wikipedia •Jump to: navigation, search A pre-school playgroup, in everyday usage just a playgroup, is an organised group providing care and socialisation for children under five. The term is widely used in the United Kingdom. Playgroups are less formal than nursery schools and do not provide full time care, operating for only a few hours a day during school term time, often in the mornings only. They are staffed by nursery nurses or volunteers, not by nursery teachers, and are run by private individuals or charities, rather than by the state or companies. In the United Kingdom, since around the 1980s, the traditionally territory of the playgroup has been encroached on by the expansion of more formal nursery education, and playgroups often now cater only for two and three year olds before they move onto a nursery school. Over the same period there has been an increase in the state supervision of playgroups. Definitions of nursery school on the Web: A separately organized and administered elementary school for groups of children during the year or years preceding kindergarten, which provides ... nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/glossary/n.asp Group programs designed for children ages 3-5. Normally they operate for 3-4 hours per day, and from 2-5 days a week. www.childcareaware.org/en/includes/glossary.php a small preschool for small children wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn A nursery school is a school for children between the ages of three and five , staffed by qualified teachers and other professionals who encourage and supervise educational play rather than simply providing childcare. It is generally considered part of early childhood education. ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursery school Definitions of day nursery on the Web: a nursery for the supervision of preschool children while the parents work wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn A similar debate can be had about what we are called as professionals, nursery nurses, preschool practitioners, educarers, teachers, early years professionals? Guess what just call me Peggy. Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 I'm with Beau I really dislike the fact that "play" is a four letter word I like Suewhit's idea though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wolfie Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Peggy, you MUST just have earned the FSF award for the longest post EVER! If there isn't an award, I think one should be created immediately!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Peggy, you MUST just have earned the FSF award for the longest post EVER! If there isn't an award, I think one should be created immediately!! I think I have been known to do longer ones in the past. This one was mainly copy and paste, plus lots of gaps between lines. Just shows how complex the answer to the question is. It has really made me think how 'confusing' it must be for people outside of our profession, if we within it can't clearly define the terms / titles. Also do we live up to our labels, as defined, or do we just do what we know is best for children and learning- 'play'- whatever setting our children are in?.....interestingly, I think only one definition mentions 'care'. Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shazzam Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 'preschool' i get quite upset when people call us playgroup i think its because it sounds like we do nothing but play(cheap babysitters). i class nursery somewhere your children stay longer than a session-full day care. no offence to anyone who is called a playgroup, i wouldn't mind if it was in our title its just annoying when preschool is part of our name and some still call us playgroup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 I'm with Beau I really dislike the fact that "play" is a four letter word I like Suewhit's idea though. Yes, I like the idea of a pre-school playgroup - back to when the PLA was called the Pre-school Playgroups Association. However I don't think I'd use it for my group for the same reason as I feel a bit uncomfortable with pre-school nursery - using two terms for the same thing. And I'm also beginning to wonder if people see the word 'nursery' in the title and assume we'll be sitting them down at desks and getting them to do worksheets. When we make them do worksheets sitting on a mat on the floor, obviously Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louby loo Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 My daughter went to 'Playschool' seems to be a bit of both but they don't appear to use that term anymore. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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