What is local authority nursery education?
Local authority-funded nursery education is to be found in nursery schools, nursery classes or units attached to primary schools and in a small number of nursery centres (which offer both education and day care). Children aged 3 and 4 attend on a full or part-time basis. There are no fees to pay. Nursery education premises are staffed by qualified teachers and NNEB/BTEC-trained nursery nurses. Information about nursery education in your area can be obtained from the local authority education department. Why Nursery Education? Nursery education offers children the best possible foundation for their later school education. Teachers and nursery nurses provide a carefully planned and structured learning environment which encourages the all round development of young children. The essential characteristics of high quality nursery education are: • Specialist staff (qualified teachers and nursery nurses) • Premises and resources (inside and outside) geared to learning needs of young children
