Welsh Schools - Nursery - Do I apply now?

[thatstoast]

I have a 17m old. I want him to start at the local pre-school in the term after his 3rd birthday as is normal where I live.

I assumed this would be something I'd need to worry about when he was older but friends in the area said they put their children's name on the waiting list when they were one and that I need to get it sorted out.

Is this usual? It's not even a good school, why would he need to be on the waiting list for two years to get a place?

[lloydlf33]

Is it a nursery attached to primary school? You would normally apply in the October before the September you want him to start. Applications in October and places announced in March/April for the September start.

[thatstoast]

Yes, it's part of the primary school. He would start in April I think as he turns 3 in January.

[RedandYellow24]

Check the local authority site usually one or two dates in year. So i would imagine you apply oct next year for s place the following Easter. You can't apply earlier than the school year you are due to start so don't panic it's to late at 17m!

A lot of places don't have waiting lists my nephews playgroup they turn 3 then start full time at local school nursery the following week.

[Ruedewakening]

Private preschools often have lists - my 2 year old has been on the list of our preferred preschool since he was a few weeks old, but that's only because his brother was attending at the time he was born, and the manager thrust the forms at me to fill in :o

School nurseries work differently, there should be some info on the LEA website about the relevant dates to apply.

[GreenAugustLion]

My experience is different than those mentioned above - I'm in S Wales.

I put my dc on the school nursery waiting list around the time they turned 2. Both were able to start in the nursery the day after they turned 3 - one in Jan, one in April.

Officially kids can start the term after they turn 3 but neither our school nor many others in our area make them wait, and are happy to take them straight away.

Nursery places in schools are first come first serve, and the actual application is made for reception year. Just remember if you're not in catchment there's no guarantee of s reception place.

[Lolimax]

Hi not sure where in wales you are. I'm 'valleys' and around here people do 'put their names down' but I'm not sure how useful that is. You still have to apply the normal way if the school is run by the local Education Authority- the local council. I'd ring the school or the council if you aren't sure but given LO's age I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck. Or is it pob lwc lol!! (My GCSE Welsh was a long time ago! )

[littlejohnnydory]

In our area (North Wales) the admissions forms come out at the same time as reception forms and you apply the year before. They start nursery class the September after their third birthday here. They can go to Cylch Meithrin at 2.5 and they do get full so people do put their names down. there is no formal admissions round for that and so you would just contact the Cylch leader.

[lloydlf33]

Our nursery places (S.Wales also) are certainly not allocated on a 'first come first serve' basis. You have to apply via the local authority in exactly the same way you do for a school place. Our school doesn't do rising three places in January or April as were usually over subscribed but I know some do.

[thatstoast]

I rang the council and a form has arrived today. It's a bit generic and asks for a lot of information that won't be relevant by the time he's 3. Eg, is your child potty trained? It also says it should be returned in 10 days, which seems a bit urgent considering the 2017 start. I think I might give them another ring to confirm.

Was there ever a time when kids just got into their local school without any form filling?

[thatstoast]

Oh, I'm valleys, just in case anyone was wondering.