A preschool, also known as a nursery school or pre-primary school, is an educational establishment offering early childhood education to children, typically aged 2 to 6, before they begin compulsory primary school. These institutions focus on fostering children's cognitive, psychosocial, and physical development through play and social interactions, helping them learn about their environment and communicate effectively.

The concept originated in the late 18th century to provide care and education for orphans and children of working parents, with Johann Friedrich Oberlin and Louise Scheppler establishing an early example in Strasbourg in 1779. Pioneering the movement, Robert Owen opened what is considered the first British and likely global infant school in New Lanark, Scotland, in 1816, emphasizing moral education and basic literacy. Further refining the model, Samuel Wilderspin opened his first infant school in London in 1819, integrating play as a crucial educational element and famously inventing the playground.