Going to sound really thick, but....

[stinkymalinki]

What exactly is Pre-school, is it compulsory, what age should children go, what age do children normally start Primary school, etc?

I'd never considered any of this - i just assumed my DS would go to a few nursery sessions a week, as i did, in the year or so before starting primary school at the age of 5. DS has his birthday at the end of September, so i expected him to start infants at the beginning of September just before his 5th birthday. Now i'm thinking i've made some major parenting faux-pas, as i haven't had his name down for Pre-school since birth! (DS is 20 months BTW)

[Furball]

thy can start pre school from 2 years 9 months. From 3 years they are allowed 5 x 2.5 sessions FREE everyweek. It also includes nurseries as well.

you don't have to send him if you don't want to or you could just send him for 1, the choice is yours

[stinkymalinki]

Thanks. Next silly question - how do i go about finding a Pre-school, and how soon is best to start putting his name down (if such a thing exists!). I'm near Dover in Kent. TIA x

[happystory]

It's your choice. Think parents mainly do it so their child is used to being apart from them a little bit, and to mix with other children and have some fun! But you don't have to as furball said. Yes he'll go to infant school in the September just before he's 5 and you won't have to apply for that til the year before. Go and look at a few local playgroups to get a gist without deciding yet.

[happystory]

sorry x-posts. Your local authority can give you a list. If you wanted him to start at around 3 you could start looking now. Recommendations from friends and neighbours often the best way.

[homemama]

Firstly, children normally start school as 'Rising 5s'. That is they start school in the september of the academic year in which they turn five. In some authorities they start in the term they turn 5 (sept, jan or april)

As for pre-school, Furball is correct it's usually 2yrs9mths. The free sessions kick in once they turn 3.

I wouldn't worry too much as I'm sure you'll find a place somewhere but I'd get on to it straight away. Ask your LEA or your HV for a list in your area. Then call them all and visit them all. You may find that many don't have places left or you may need to wait until he's 3 but I'm sure you'll get something. Check if your local infant school has a nursery class too.

Good luck

[LIZS]

Most preschools/playgroups/nursery schools should be listed here or ask Hv or at local library if they have one. These can start as young as 2-3. You're right about school age and you should be asked to apply the Autumn/Spring term beforehand(varies according ot LEA).

Some primary schools have a nursery class or preschool attached catering for 3-4 year olds but acceptance there doesn't necessarily mean he'll get a place at the school. No form of education is compulsory until Reception age(or year 1 for sumemr b'days), legally the term after they turn 5. hth

[homemama]

LIZS is correct about the legal position but most children start as rising 5s and as your DS is a September birthday, this will suit him fine.

[stinkymalinki]

Thanks for all the responses - it's definitely given me food for thought! SM x

[alex8]

The pre-schools near me start from 2 not 2 yrs 9 months.