Top Tips When Thinking For Pre School

A good pre-school will provide a sound introduction to skills and concepts that will help your child when they start school.

Most pre-schools offer a foundation-stage curriculum which prepares children to progress with confidence to the National Curriculum at the age of five. Socially, pre-school (or nursery) is one of the best ways of helping your child to learn how to interact with other children and with a wider range of adults. Nevertheless, it can be quite a stressful transition, both for you and for your child. Here are some ways in which you can ease the process for all concerned:

* If you know any other children who are going to the same pre-school, try and introduce your child to them in advance and maybe invite them to play at your house.

* Gradually get your child used to spending time away from you, maybe with other family members, or a day with daddy while you relax at home!

* Do an introductory visit to the pre-school and see if they will let your child stay for a little while as an introduction, maybe with you there also for some of the time to help him settle in. Some nurseries offer a system where your child goes in for one morning a week and gradually builds it up over two years until they are there all week. This gradual transition will help your child to get used to a completely new set-up, not to mention helping you get used to not being around your child.

* Talk to your child about the interesting things that they will be doing at pre-school and the new friends they will make. If you