Help deciding on the best nursery for ds.

[Lavender14]

I'm based in the North and ds is almost 3 and has been attending a pre-pre place in his nursery. If I'm right then applications for pre school open in January for his age? Any guidance on how this all works and how I can find out what the best primary and pre- schools are? Is there a ranking system available somewhere? Presumably some preschools will be feeders for some primary schools as well? At the moment we're renting but aiming to buy so no idea where we'll be in our local area by the time he gets to primary age.

I find the whole idea very confusing!!

Obviously school nurseries and private providers will have Ofsted inspection reports. You can look at these but a visit and appointment to look round at facilities and ethos etc will give you the best idea.
You need to look at eligibility for the 15 hours funding. A place in a school nursery doesn’t automatically guarantee a school place. Admissions for Reception are usually organised by the local authority.