Giving your kids a head start can make their lives easier when they start school, writes Andrea Calvesbert

Education for children under five can often be controversial, but there is no doubt that young children soak up information like sponges and attending playgroup or pre-school can make starting school easier.

Pre-schools and playgroups care for children aged between two and five years and there is a huge selection to choose from in Worcestershire. The county's Children's Information Service is the best place to find guidance through the plethora of childcare and education options as well as finding

pre-schools in a particular area. They can be contacted on 01905 790560.

All pre-schools and playgroups guide the children in their care through the Foundation Stage, which covers the years children spend from the beginning of nursery or pre-school to the end of reception class at primary school.

This is recognised as a particular stage when children learn best through active play. It is organized into six areas to help children develop into confident and happy individuals: * Personal and social development, where children learn to be self confident and learn from right and wrong

* Communication, language and literacy, where they read and write some familiar words

* Mathematical development through songs, games and stories

* Knowledge and understanding of the world

* Physical development

* Creative development

The goals do not put pressure on the children as most of the time they feel they are just playing and having fun.

To ensure pre-school education is accessible to everyone, all children qualify for up to five free two-and-a-half hour sessions per week through the Government's voucher scheme. The Children's Information Service can offer help and advice on this too.

Pre-schools and playgroups specialise in making things fun for youngsters so they don't even know that they're learning.