How do I choose a preschool ?!?

[mumtosp]

Hi all,

DS turned 2 in October and for the past few days I have been a bit stressed as I still haven't found a preschool for him. Every time I sit down to look at the council website, I get overwhelmed by the number of options I have !! There seem to be dozens of preschools and nurseries around where I live and most of them are rated good or outstanding by ofsted.... I have no idea how to decide....
I have visited a couple and they all seem nice... I did prefer some over others as they had more space... But I still don't know how to decide

Plus I am feeling guilty that I have left this too late..... Overall the entire process is stressing me out...:(
Would appreciate any words of wisdom..... TIA

[zinher]

When do you begin the process? And how does it work?

[zinher]

Sorry to intrusion the thread survival completely clueless so want to collective thread

[zinher]

Sorry to intrude on the thread. And sorry for the typos

[mumtosp]

zinher from I understand preschools either start from the age of 2 or 3. You can get 15 free hours per week through funding.... Preschools are not compulsory as formal education starts only at primary stage, but it is recommended as it gets your kid ready for school and the routine...
I am sure someone will come along and provide more details :)

[mumtosp]

bump

[zinher]

Bump

[Barbeasty]

I'd think about what you want and try to narrow your choice down.

Do you want to walk every day or would you drive (or use public transport)? If you're not walking what is parking like?

Do they have a uniform? Is that something that you like or want to avoid?

What features are important? Lots of outside space? Forest school? Optional extra classes?

Are you looking for something which is just a preschool, or would you be happy with a day nursery that has a preschool room and a baby room?

Do you want it to be attached/ part of a school or do you want somewhere that sends children on to lots of schools? Do you know which primary/ primaries you hope to get into and do they have children going there most years so there might be people he knows when he starts school?

Are you bothered by which sessions you get, would they give you a choice?

If you're doing half days can they stay for lunch and practise eating with their friends?

Does it feel nice when you look around? Are children busy and happy? Lots of their art work on walls, good range of toys, lots of books, a good home corner?

Maybe start with the websites and ofsted reports for your nearest ones. Are there things you like about them- I saw a report for a local prep school which criticised the fact children were freely climbing a tree. I thought that sounded rather good!