The words get used interchangeably and they do not mean the same thing. If you are looking for work in early years — or trying to work out what a job advert is actually describing — the differences between a nursery, a pre-school, a nursery school and a reception class matter, because they change the hours, the pay structure and who you work alongside.
Early years is a stage, not a place
This is the confusion underneath most of the others. In England, the early years foundation stage runs from birth to the end of the reception year. Every setting that cares for children in that age range works to the same statutory framework, whether it is a baby room in a private nursery or a reception class in a primary school. Our explainer on what the EYFS is covers what that framework actually requires.
So “early years” does not mean “nursery”. A nursery is one of several kinds of setting operating inside the early years stage.
The settings, side by side
| Setting | Typical ages | Hours | Usually run by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day nursery | Babies to school age | Long days, most of the year | Private, voluntary or independent providers |
| Pre-school or playgroup | Around 2 to 4 | Shorter sessions, term time | Often voluntary or community run |
| Nursery school | 3 to 4 | School hours, term time | Maintained; led by a headteacher |
| Nursery class | 3 to 4 | School hours, term time | Attached to a primary school |
| Reception class | 4 to 5 | School hours, term time | Primary school |
| Childminder | Varies | Flexible, home based | Self-employed, registered |
What this changes if you work in the sector
Your hours and your year. A day nursery runs through most of the year and will usually want shift availability. Term-time settings give you school holidays but a smaller annual wage spread differently.
Who is in the room with you. Maintained nursery schools and nursery classes employ qualified teachers. Private day nurseries generally do not, which changes what progression looks like — in a nursery that usually runs practitioner, room leader, deputy, manager.
The rhythm of the day. Baby rooms, pre-school rooms and reception classes are genuinely different jobs. People who love one sometimes dislike another, which is worth knowing before you commit to a permanent role rather than trying a few settings on temporary bookings first.
Funded hours, briefly
Government-funded early education hours are available for eligible families, and the entitlements have been changing, so the number of hours depends on the child’s age and the family’s circumstances at the time. Settings of all the types above can offer funded places if they qualify. If you need the current figures, check the official guidance rather than relying on a figure in an article, because this is the detail that dates fastest.
Frequently asked questions
Is early years the same as nursery?
No. “Early years” is the stage, not the setting. In England it covers birth to the end of the reception year, and the EYFS framework applies across all of it. A nursery is one kind of setting operating within that stage — pre-schools, nursery schools, childminders and reception classes are all early years too.
What is the difference between a nursery and a pre-school?
Mainly hours and age range. Day nurseries usually take children from babies up to school age and open long days across most of the year. Pre-schools generally take children from around two or three, run shorter sessions, and follow school terms.
What is the difference between a nursery and a nursery school?
A nursery school is a school. It is a maintained setting for three and four year olds, led by a headteacher and staffed by qualified teachers alongside practitioners. A day nursery is usually a private, voluntary or independent business and does not have to employ qualified teachers.
Is reception part of early years?
Yes. Reception is the final year of the early years stage even though it sits inside primary school. Children are typically four turning five, and the EYFS still applies, which is why reception staff work to the same framework as nursery staff.
What age groups do nurseries take?
Day nurseries commonly run rooms by age — babies, toddlers and pre-school — covering roughly birth to five. Pre-schools usually start around two or three. Nursery schools and nursery classes are generally for three and four year olds.
Which setting is better to work in?
They suit different people rather than ranking against each other. Day nurseries offer year-round hours and full age-range experience. Term-time settings suit people who need school holidays. Maintained nursery schools and classes sit closer to the school system. It is worth trying more than one before deciding.
Deciding which setting suits you?
Temporary bookings are the cheapest way to find out. Register once and a consultant will talk through the settings and age groups that would suit you.