# nursery school

CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nursery-school
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

a school for children between the ages of three and five. It helps them learn through play before they start primary school.

For teachers: an educational establishment for pre-school children, typically aged between three and five. Focuses on socialisation and cognitive development through play-based learning.

## Examples

- My son loves playing with his friends at nursery school.
- The local council funded three new nursery schools to help working parents find childcare in the town centre.
- Early childhood educators in nursery schools play a critical role in identifying developmental delays that might otherwise go unnoticed until a child enters the formal primary education system.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in British English; 'preschool' is the more frequent equivalent in North American English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.