Joining a paid for pre-school group – What to be aware of
These days there is a pre-school group for everything: singing, dancing, acting, swimming, story time, football, rugby, gymnastics… the list goes on, and surely it can’t be long until some bright spark comes up with baby knitting, pre-school parachuting or toddler brass band trumpeting groups.
It is tempting to join a group that will resemble one of your pre-baby interests. This is because getting out the house and mixing with other parents will enhance your social life, and these groups do generally benefit your baby or toddler’s development.
What to be aware of
Many of these groups insist on block bookings or term bookings to make it financially viable for them to run. If you are thinking of parting with your cash in this way, do insist on a free trial class. Most of the franchise groups offer this free trial as standard, and you will find out if the group is what you expect.
Look at the other children in the group and what they are expected to do. All children will need to be supervised by their parents, but some music groups insist that the child remains seated at all times. If your child is a free spirit and likes to interpret Incy Wincy Spider through the medium of spins, turns and five circuits of the hall then this group is not for you.
Some music groups give out props at the start of each song and collect them back at the end of each song. Once this task is completed it may be that you only get through five songs in a half hour period. Boisterous children will find this boring or may not want to continually give back props or instruments they find exciting.
Be wary that some groups want a registration fee as well as a block booking paid for in advance.
You may also have to buy a uniform for some of the sports groups. With fast growing toddlers, this can be an expensive additional cost.
If you are committed to a block booking, you will lose out on a session if your baby or toddler is ill or sleeping. If you find you don’t get on with that particular group you are also then committed to it.
Free pre-school options
Look for free groups first. There are plenty of free story times and music groups at your local library. Smaller, local libraries may charge a token fee and need booking. Bristol Central library has free music and bounce, and story times for babies and toddlers.
Visit your local Sure Start centre. Your local children’s centre, which will usually be affiliated with a state nursery school will have free learning sessions and free stay and play sessions for babies and preschoolers. This will be a great way of getting your children to start socialising with other children who will more than likely be going to the same school as them. Contact the Family Information Service who can provide you with information about all your local pre-school, nursery and childcare options in the local area. Their helpline number is: 0845 129 7217
Phone up all the franchise pre-school groups and use up a free trial session at each.
If you are still looking for more groups to fill up your time, then find groups that offer drop-in sessions. This means that you only pay when you go, and if your child is ill or tired and you don’t go, you don’t lose money either.
Try to find groups that offer a family rate. This is a set payment meaning you can take as many of your age appropriate children to as you wish. You will usually find these groups run through the school holidays as well. Ask if you can bring your older children along during these times to sensibly join in.