How do I go about...?

[sameyeam]

getting my kids registered for school? More precisely...

I will have a Y1 and a Nursery 3 in September 2012.

I am moving with my husband (UK citizen).

Is it wise to get a flat now, by January 15 and apply for places at the school that we try to live as close to without sleeping at the doorstep?

Is there any chance getting into an oversubscribed state school if we live an arms reach from the school?

Or, does it not matter because we are not applying for a Reception position?

Should I apply to private schools since I will probably be sent to a under-performing school?

Can someone advise as to what would be the best way to go about moving to London?

My husband currently travels there each month...we plan to move in July, but could get a place sooner if necessary.

Many thanks.

The January 15th deadline only applies for applications for admission to Reception.

Your Y1 child will be an in year admission. They will therefore be admitted to the nearest school with places available. That could be an unpopular school (but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be underperforming) some distance from your home but you may strike it lucky. If you live near enough to your preferred school you may go straight to the front of the waiting list, in which case you will get a place if someone leaves.

The rules for nursery admissions vary so much that I can't really advise on that. You need to look into nurseries in the area to which you are moving.