The term ‘nursery’ refers to a school for small children where there is no formal education, and where the emphasis is on the physical The term ‘nursery’ refers to a school for small children where there is no formal education, and where the emphasis is on the physical, mental, emotional and social development of small children of + 2 – 3 years of age. These are also called pre-schools where children learn social skills to help them get along successfully when they enter a formal school.

These schools have their own tools and equipment, techniques and methodology, to make a child interact in a group, formally and informally, and to develop certain basic concepts in direct contact with nature. Its basic approach hovers around play and activity, and its major aim is socialization of the child, or whatever it may mean at this stage, with special focus on the ability to “get-along” and to be a useful member of the group.

Nursery schools are absolutely child-centered wherein a child is the focal point and everything else is subservient to his needs and requirements.

It has specially trained teachers who are devoted to the cause of child education in a scientific and regulated manner, make a child “open-up” to his environment, and have a meaningful and purposeful interaction.

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The atmosphere is informal but not “free”. So that a child does not waste his time and energy in avoidable pursuits and activities. A teacher does keep a remote control regulating the activities of a child so that the desired behavioral changes take place.

Nursery schools should have a democratic approach and outlook and should inculcate good habits and attitudes in accordance with the accepted and desirable social norms and expectations, help develop social grace, self- confidence and a sense of social security, honesty and fairplay, help and cooperation, in the young child in a manner that it all appears incidental and matter-of-fact.

The school should be a natural extension of home, and should take care of the child in the same manner as is generally done in the family. In the matter of childcare both should have unanimity of outlook and purpose.