The English School System

Private Nurseries:
These take children from around 3 months old. The children can continue to attend until (and including) the term preceding their 5th birthday. e.g. children have to be in full-time education by the start of the term following their fifth birthday. These are open all year round and you have to pay monthly fees, cost depending on how long your children are in their care. You are often able to use the government pre-school place money against the cost of a session from the term after your child turns 3.

Pre-schools:
Most start from 3years until 5years, although sometimes there are places for 2 year olds. Mainly open during term time, they generally offer morning or afternoon sessions. Some may have all day session. They are often run in village/church halls and are sometimes called play-groups. you may have to pay a small fee for each session until the term after your child turns 3, after which the governments pre-school place money should usually cover the cost.

School Nurseries:
These usually take children the term after they turn 3. It is usually free e.g. governments pre-school place money should cover the cost. The first year is usually foundation (F)1 and the second is F2 or Reception (although some schools do use other names to tie-in with the rest of the school). Having a place in F1 does not guarantee a place in the school(ie: starting in F2), you still have to apply for a school place through your local council. Some school nurseries have a waiting list which accepts names from when they are 2.

I believe all of these settings follow the Early years birth to five 'curriculum'. Everything is based on learning through play.