Though the gruelling interviews for nursery admissions have stopped, many still feel their children wouldn’t get through a good school if they don’t go to a reputed play school. Ameeta Wattal, secretary, National Progressive School Conference and principal, Springdales School, Pusa Road, clears the air:
What is the role of play school in a child’s education?
Children need the facility where they can play, socialise and move around with children their age before they start formal schooling. Parents today don’t have the time and such facilities at home. Children learn to break away from family and be by themselves in a play school.
Many feel a play school is necessary for their child’s admission in a good school.
That is not at all required. Why and how can a school ask that now? We don’t ask about which play school the child went to. We ask questions such as if the child has learning difficulties or if the parents are alumni of the school etc.
Even if there is no weightage given to a child’s play school, parents do feel that unless their children goes to a reputed play school, they would lose out in competition.
{{/usCountry}}Even if there is no weightage given to a child’s play school, parents do feel that unless their children goes to a reputed play school, they would lose out in competition.
{{/usCountry}}A pre-school wouldn’t get your child admission in a school of your choice. This culture of brand is ridiculous. Parents have to accept the fact that they may or may not get the schools of their choice.
With so many options but no regulation, how can parents choose the best play school for their child?
The best way is to choose the school nearest to you so that the child doesn’t get tired just reaching the school and it becomes a place for happiness, not exhaustion. Parents should look for safety measures by visiting the play school first themselves. It should be a colourful, happy-looking place. There should be enough auxiliary staff to help out children and each classroom shouldn’t have more than 10 students. Check out the qualification of those in charge of the school. They should have a certain mental maturity and experience in the area.