Confused about schools, please help!

[BBC4lover]

Hi

Please can you help me? I have received loads of conflicting advice regarding when I need to start looking at schools (and applying!) for my ds.

He was born on 01.01.09 (so he is just 3) and I think I have to apply by next Feb/ March and he will start in Jan 2014. Is that right?

Does it vary from area to area? We currently live in Oxfordshire but are considering moving in the next year (not sure where yet).

Please can anyone help me? My mil tells me off every time we talk about it because she thinks we should already have had his name down since birth (which was what happened when my neice was born 13 years ago!) but I don;t think you can now, can you?

I am talking about local primary schools not private/public.

Thanks in advance

[Pozzled]

Look at the website for your LEA, should be easy to search. It does vary from area to area. Here we get sent a form and info in October, applications in mid-jan for the September start. So yes, you'll need to apply around this time next year.

For state schools 'putting your name down' at birth won't make any difference, all applications go through the LEA.

[Pozzled]

Oh forgot to say about start dates- all children have the right to start in the September after they turn 4, so your DS can start Sep 2013. You can choose to delay it until the term he turns 5 if you wish, but it's likely that the vast majority of his peers will start in the September.

[meditrina]

Not all councils send out forms, so do not rely on something coming through the post.

You need to apply for a reception place for the September he is 4, so I make that 2013 (you can defer entry until January or April, but you need to secure the place for September). The applications window runs from October until mid January. You will probably want to do your research and school visits this year.

[BBC4lover]

Thanks. At least I can rest easy knowing I haven't completely missed out. Not sure what we will do about moving house (and therefore area).

Off to look at LEA website ... :)

[prh47bridge]

You apply for Reception to start in the September following your child's fourth birthday. Medetrina is therefore correct that your son will be eligible to start school in September 2013. You can apply in the autum of this year and you must have your application in by 15th January 2013. Once you have a place you can defer entry until January if you wish. This is the same everywhere - your LA cannot change this.

If you are going to move you should aim to do so as soon as possible so that you can apply from your new address.

[BBC4lover]

Thanks :)