Childminder/School Nursery. CONFUSED!

[LilahJonathan]

Hello,
I am very confused and would like some help, first time single parent and not a clue about how this works.
My son is 2 Years old as of January this year. He is currently with a childminder where he gets 15 hours free childcare.
I was told recently I should start applying for school nurseries.
I've found a school nursery I'm happy with, however it doesn't appear that I can send him there unless I'm working. All I can see on their website is "Free 30 hours for working families"
I'm going back to college in September 2 1/2 days. His current childminder has him for 2 days. I am willing to pay the extra whilst I study.
My questions are...
Firstly does he need to go to School nursery?
If so, when?
Would I get 15 hours free or not get assistance at all?
How do I apply for him to attend a school nursery?

Thanks in advance, I know I'm a bit all over the place but I don't have a single clue where to begin! Apologies!!

He doesn't need to go to a school nursery at all. My DD has been in a private nursery since she was 9 months old. We decided not to move her to the school nursery attached to the primary we wanted her to attend as she was well settled and the hours at the private nursery for us b etter.

Yes you are entitled to 15 hours in a school nursery. As he is 3 in January he will be able to begin after the Easter holidays April2019.
Personally I would wait until Sep/Oct to arrange visits to help you choose the one best suited to your/child's needs. Then maybe March time arrange a settling in day? (This may be offered anyway for any other new starters).

It's up to you to contact the schools for discussions, the staff will then guide you in the next steps.

Alternatively he can stay with the childminder for his 15 hours also after turning 3 so you will only be paying for any extra hours you use, without having to arrange wrap around care.

he doesn't have to go to nursery. Why don't you just use the 30 hours with the current childminder?