Are you legally entitled to a nursey place for your child?

[heidihole]

I know that as school is compulsory they have to find a school place for you.

Nursery isn't compulsory but if you WANT your 3 yr old to attend a nursery do they have to find a place for you?

[LIZS]

No don't think so. Obligation is on parent to find a place if they so choose.

[heidihole]

Ah ok so if there just aren't any nurseries in your area is it just tough luck?

[meditrina]

Pretty much.

Non-statutory means it doesn't have to be provided (either directly or indirectly) though local pressure usually means there are just about enough places from state, private or other community providers. But if it all goes wrong in the year/s you have nursery aged DC, then yes you are stuck.

[NoComet]

No! DD2 had her name down almost from birth as the admissions woman told me the tear above was huge (DD1 was there).

Consequently DD2 and another DC with an older sibling got a place. Everyone else had to wait until after the bulge started school when many were rising 4, some didn't get places at all.

[LIZS]

It would be pretty unusual for an area not to have any Early Years provision but that may include nursery units attached to state schools, private nurseries, preschools, Children's Centres, Child-minders etc

[hettienne]

Local authorities do have some statutory duties to try to find you a place, and to work with local providers to ensure there are enough places available, but they don't have a legal duty to find a place for every child who wants one.