Need to know everything about nurseries

[NM1819]

Hi, my son will be 3 in Dec 2022 and we're planning to send him to nursery when he is entitled to the free 15 hours of care (when he turns 3). So I have a few questions: if his birthday is in December, will he be able to start the following January or does he have to enroll in September?
When do I need to start enquiring about places in nurseries for him? Is it too early now (so a year in advance)?
If he can start nursery in the January, will he then go onto school the following January or do they not do that anymore and he'd be nearly 5 when he starts school (when I was at primary if your birthday was between Sept and Dec, you could go into reception in January).
Also, is there anything in particular I should be aware of/look out for when choosing him a nursery?
Thanks!

Are you sending him to a private or state nursery?

His entitlement will start in Jan 23.
Absolutely not too early to get his name down somewhere, depending where you are there are massive waiting lists.
He'll stay at nursery until his school year starts in Sep 24.

Things to consider when looking;
Gut feeling (massive, like when looking for a house)
Outdoor area
Where do they sleep
Meal variety
Staff turnover
Do the children look genuinely happy when you visit
Activities

That's great thank you, so he'll presumably be one of the older ones when he's at school. Thanks for your help!