Just to get the basics right since there seems to be a lot of misinformation on this thread...
You apply to the LA for a school place regardless of where you live. The LA is required to co-ordinate all admissions in their area. You do not apply to individual schools.
With state schools you cannot put your name down in advance, so I'm afraid *badjelly" hasn't got her child into the local school (although the fact that it is the only school in the area suggests she has a good chance). Unfortunately so many parents think you can put your name down and get angry when the school says they can't that a lot of schools play along with this myth but all they really do is make a note of your details. They might remind you to apply or make sure the LA send you an application form at the right time but I wouldn't rely on it. They cannot guarantee you a place or give you any kind of priority. Places must be allocated strictly in accordance with the school's admission criteria which cannot take into account such factors as parents putting their name down early.
In England children can start school in the September following their 4th birthday but education is not compulsory until the start of term following the child's 5th birthday. You should apply as if your child will start in the September following their 4th birthday even if you want them to start later. You then have the right to defer entry until later in the school year. If your child was born in the summer you can defer for the full year but the school will not hold the place for you and your child will go straight into Y1, skipping Reception completely. Also most schools will already be full when you apply for a place in Y1 so your choice of schools will be limited. I would therefore recommend that summer born children start school by the start of the summer term before their 5th birthday.
You will need to check with your Local Authority for the date by which you need to apply. In England it is mid-January for Primary school places that September. Most (all?) LAs now allow you to apply online. Do not rely on them sending you a form - they don't have any reliable way of identifying all the families who need to apply. You need to contact them rather than waiting for them to contact you.
august24 - You apply to the LA who have to find a place for your child. For most schools waiting lists are administered by the LA and are already sorted, so the first week in September is no worse than any other time. They have to run the waiting list until Christmas. They don't have to run a waiting list after that but many LAs do keep waiting lists going for longer.
SuperNonna - Nottinghamshire's admission criteria are:
- looked after children
- in catchment siblings
- other in catchment children
- out of catchment siblings
- other out of catchment children
As you live in catchment you therefore rank ahead of any out of catchment children. That does not, of course, guarantee you a place. That depends on how many in catchment siblings there are and how far from the school you live. I hope you get one of your preferences. Even if you don't, Nottinghamshire have to find a place for you somewhere.