England- what age can children go to play group ?

[mummytobe_93]

I've heard mixed answers some say as soon as they turn 2, others say 3 and others say once potty trained. Does anyone know?

My daughter is 13 months and I'm wanting to enrol her for a day or half a day when she's two I'd possible. I'm due number two when she's 20 months old so I think I'd love the few hours to spend alone with number 2 and also to clean.

And I'm sure she would love it too!

Thanks

 

[Gem1302]

It depends on the nursery/group/centre. Some take 2 year olds if you qualify for the free 15 hours, some take them regardless and some don't accept until 3. Some private nurseries accept newborns! Best to ring around and find out the policies for where you'd want her to go x

 

[lau86]

Depends what you mean by play group. Both mine went to a private nursery at 7 months (ish) as I went back to work, they take them from 6 weeks.
If you're looking for a pre school, with a uniform etc, the one my eldest goes to takes them from 2 and you don't need to be potty trained. There are a few 'play groups' that are in churches etc and last a morning or afternoon round here and I think they also take from 2

 

[MindUtopia]

It would depend on the playgroup. All the 'playgroups' around here, which are just run by volunteers, usually start at 2. Some of the more formal preschools only start at 2 years 9 months. We use a nursery that accepts babies from 9 months, which is when our daughter started.

 

[mummytobe_93]

Ok thanks everyone. I probably should have posted this in the toddler section but I hate thinking my baby is no longer a baby!

I don't mean private nursery I just mean play group, I think it costs about £3 an hour whereas nursery is more expenaive than that. I guess I'll have to have a look around thanks

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

2yrs 9mths for playschool x