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School in general even in the 19th century was a novel experience for most children around the world. Schools had existed for some time, but only a small number of children atended them. Education spread in Europe, but with a few exceptions were fee paying institutions. England has a long history of schools dating back to the medieval era. Free public schools have a much more recent history. We find their origins in the German states (especially Prussia) and America (18th century)--an interesting origin. Public schools did not become wide spread until later (second half of the 19th century). England lagged behind the other major countries in public education until the Education Act (1870). This mandated free primary education for English children. The Act did not address nursery education for younger children. We first see English nursery schools for younger pre-school children (mid-19th century. The first nursery school we have found opened (1812). The advent of the Industrial Revolution created a need for nursery schools. As people moved from the country side into the city, mothers many cases began to work outside the home. This created a need for childcare facilities. In the city families and friends were commonly less available. Some more were forced to lock little ones up while they were at work. Tragic incidents ensued, but even when the children were not physically harmed, surely it was a traumatic experience. Nursery schools were not market driven. Well-to-do people cared for the children at home as the mothers did not work. The 19th century was an era of a range of social reform, beginning most prominently with the Abolitionist movement, but also the problems that accompanied the industrial revolution. And a few determined women in British tows and cities took on this problem. They began creating places for the young children. Often they did not have much money. They might rent spaces, in some cases just a nondescript room. Sometimes a house. In some cases a hospital made space available. These facilities came to be called 'day nurseries'. The nursery was a place in the home that the children slept at night. These facilities took care of the children during the day, thus the term day nursery. This was an entirely new concept. Unlike schools, there was no established tradition of care. Jean Firmin Marbeau (1798-1875) was a philanthropist who pioneered the crèche movement in France. He opened the first creche in Paris (1844). This was all the English movement which founded the first day nurseries had to go on.
There are different terms used fornurserybschool in England. We see preschool, day vare, and pre-K being used. Tere are nuanced differences, in these terms. Day care is just meeting a young child's basic needs because for what ever reason the parets are unable to care fr the chikld. Mist commonly meanng hat the mother is needing. Traditionally it is the father that has to work, but that has begun to change somwwhat. . Nursery schools denote an educational component.
School in general even in the 19th century was a novel experience for most children around the world. Schools had existed for some time, but only a small number of children atended them. Education spread in Europe, but with a few exceptions were fee paying institutions. England has a long history of schools dating back to the medieval era. Free public schools have a much more recent history. We find their origins in the German states (especially Prussia) and America (18th century)--an interesting origin. Public schools did not become wide spread until later (second half of the 19th century). England lagged behind the other major countries in public education until the Education Act (1870). This mandated free primary education for English children. The Act did not address nursery education for younger children.
We are not entirely sure what the difference between the dame schools and early nursery schools were. We think that they were actual institutions involving individuals with some professional training while dame schools were individual efforts conducted in homes. The Industrial Revolution began (mid-18th century). And by the early 19th century substantial number of English people were working in factories including mothers with young children. We first see English nursery schools for younger pre-school children (early-19th century). They reflected the impact of the Industrial Revolution which was based on mechanization of textiles. One source claims that the first nursery school it was a school opened, but does not identify it (1812). The first identified nursery school was established by Robert Owen in New Lanark in Scotland 1816). Owen owned a cotton mill and funded the school to provide early learning and child care for his employees' families. Owen fervently believed in healthy, pleasant working conditions for his workers. conditions and a life of interesting activities. Samuel Wilderspin founded the first nursery school in London (1819). Wilderspin's system offered organized play and served as he blueprint for nursery schools across England. These schools were for the younger children of cotton mill workers. The first nursery schools were privately operated. There were not yet state primary schools, let alone nursery school. The Industrial Revolution created a need for nursery schools. As people moved from the country side into the city, mothers many cases began to work outside the home. This created a need for childcare facilities. Factory workers in the growing industrial cities faced a new situation in which families and friends were often not available. Often parents were forced to lock the younger children up when they left for work. Tragic incidents were inevitable. Children died as a result. Fires were deadly. But even if the children were not physically injured had to endure traumatic reactions. The rich could afford hired help. Middle-class others did not work. The 19th century was an era of a range of social reform, beginning most prominently with the Abolitionist movement, but also the problems that accompanied the industrial revolution. And a few determined women in British tows and cities took on this problem. They began creating places for the young children. Often they did not have much money. They might rent spaces, in some cases just a nondescript room. Sometimes a house. In some cases a hospital made space available. These facilities came to be called 'day nurseries'. The nursery was a place in the home that the children slept at night. These facilities took care of the children during the day, thus the term day nursery. This was an entirely new concept. Here we see an unidentified nursery school about 1870 (figure 1). Unfortunately there is no accompanying information. Marie Hilton opened a crèche in London's Stepney Causeway for the children of working mothers (1871). At the time England was just beginning to create a state primary school system. Verona Doris Lester founded Children's House (1923). The children could attend for 2 shilings/24 pence (about $28 in 2024 U.S. dollars) per week. Only about a third of the mothers, however, could actually pay. Local councils had begun founding nursery school. At the end of World War Parliament passed an Education Act (1918). It promoted state funding for more nursery schools. The expansion of the state education system and the welfare system has changed the purpose of nursery schools. There aretoday far fewer families orking-class families on the verge of abject familes, but we have a lot of middle-class families beliveing that it is importan for ther children to be prepared academically when they begin school.
Unlike schools, there was no established tradition of care. Jean Firmin Marbeau (1798-1875) was a philanthropist who pioneered the crèche movement in France. He opened the first creche in Paris (1844). This was all the English movement which founded the first day nurseries had to go on.
There are different types of nursery schools in England. There are private (independent) schools, state (local authority schools), and special schools. Most private schools charge fees and have various educational philosophies. The state (local authority schools) are operated by local councils (municipalities) and adopt the state system's early year curriculum. The special schools include schools for children with disabilities, special needs nurseries, and daycare for children from a couple of months old that are usually privately run and charge fees.
Preschool education for children under 5 is not compulsory. It is, however, very popular in the UK. In 1998, English children can usually start nursery school from the start of the school term after their third birthday. Some councils only admit children from September after their third birthday. The British Government offers some free childcare options, including: 15 hours of free early education or childcare per week for all 3 and 4-year-olds. There is also free childcare for 2-year-olds if certain benefits are received. And free childcare for those who are working. Sure Start Centres are often funded by public grants or other means, so their activities and services may be free. Some may charge a small fee to cover costs.
english today from age 3 years are able to attend local state nursery schools, nursery schools attached to primary schools or registered play schemes. Nursery schools are not mandatory. And there are not always place avaialble in the schools. Nursery education is provided on a first-come, first served basis. Parents can choose from a variety of preschools. Unlike the actual state schools, here are no catchment area. Most British parents choose the state nursery schools attached to primary schools. This ensures will have a place in the primary school.
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