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Original poster

When to submit council application?

20 replies

Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 13:38

Hi all,

DD1 is currently in a private nursery. We signed up for nursery the week she was born. Luckily we got a space right away for when I was returning to work.

My question is, at what age do you submit the application to send them to the council nursery (sorry if that's not the correct terminology)

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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ArnoldBee · 31/03/2023 13:40

Depends - my children didn't go to state nurseries as 2 hours on an afternoon wasn't going to be helpful when I was in full time work. You need to see whats on offer and what you need.

PuttingDownRoots · 31/03/2023 13:42

You need to look at the council website and schools to see if it will work for you.

You can usually get the free hours at a private nursery.

Original poster
Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 13:43

I'll have a word with the nursery she's currently at, at the moment. I'll also look at the website! Thanks

OP posts:
usernotfound0000 · 31/03/2023 13:54

We applied for the nursery attached to the school (assuming this is what you mean) directly with the school, about 6 months before she was due to start. It doesn't guarantee a school place but sibling already at the school so unlikely we won't get a place.

Original poster
Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 13:58

usernotfound0000 · 31/03/2023 13:54

We applied for the nursery attached to the school (assuming this is what you mean) directly with the school, about 6 months before she was due to start. It doesn't guarantee a school place but sibling already at the school so unlikely we won't get a place.

That's exactly what I mean. Thank you for this. Really helpful.

Still have a while yet. But just wanted to make sure I'm organised as were due to have another baby in the summer and it's easy to forget things when you have a new baby!

OP posts:
wonkylegs · 31/03/2023 14:00

I presume you mean a school nursery - the best think to do would be to ask the one you want to apply to

You can use funded hours at private nurseries (that take them) instead you don't have to go to a school nursery, neither of mine did as the hours / term time only didn't work with my work.
Made not difference to them once they started school.

Twinedpeaks · 31/03/2023 14:02

Why do you want her to move nursery? Just asking in case it's a misunderstanding re school places or free hours

Original poster
Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 14:08

Twinedpeaks · 31/03/2023 14:02

Why do you want her to move nursery? Just asking in case it's a misunderstanding re school places or free hours

Not looking to move her nursery. The one she is in is private and I just assumed when she turns 3, she'll have to move the council/state nursery?

A PP said that the nursery might offer her the free hours. So I'm going to check with them to see if they do.

I'm honestly clueless at this. So I need as much guidance as possible! Shock

OP posts:
Cakeandslippers · 31/03/2023 14:09

Around here you apply direct to the school for nursery places. Our school normally only starts children in September and you need to apply by December, though if there are spaces you can apply later and this year they also did a Jan intake as numbers were low. Some of the bigger schools do 3 intakes a year.

PuttingDownRoots · 31/03/2023 14:10

Lots of school nurseries are term time only, school hours only so not suitable for working parents so there is a market for both private nurseries and school nurseries. Same curriculum.

Original poster
Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 14:11

Cakeandslippers · 31/03/2023 14:09

Around here you apply direct to the school for nursery places. Our school normally only starts children in September and you need to apply by December, though if there are spaces you can apply later and this year they also did a Jan intake as numbers were low. Some of the bigger schools do 3 intakes a year.

Did you just apply directly with the school 6 months before they turned 3?? Just unsure how early you can apply?

OP posts:
Original poster
Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 14:11

PuttingDownRoots · 31/03/2023 14:10

Lots of school nurseries are term time only, school hours only so not suitable for working parents so there is a market for both private nurseries and school nurseries. Same curriculum.

Ahhhh see I didn't think of this! I work full time and term time just wouldn't suit. So glad I asked now 😂

OP posts:
onthefence23 · 31/03/2023 14:13

Most private nurseries do offer free hours. Worth checking before moving her! Are you taking advantage of tax free childcare?

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 31/03/2023 14:13

In my area for school nursery to apply directly to the school.
Only when applying for primary school places then you apply to the council

Reugny · 31/03/2023 14:14

she'll have to move the council/state nursery?

No.

Not all primary schools in my area have a school nursery. Due to this if you apply for a place the ones that do allocate you sessions that your child can attend.

As PPs have pointed it as it is term time only and only during school hours, so it only works if you are a SAHP, use relatives to help care for your child, or use a childminder who is happy to do the wrap around/out of term care.

Original poster
Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 14:14

onthefence23 · 31/03/2023 14:13

Most private nurseries do offer free hours. Worth checking before moving her! Are you taking advantage of tax free childcare?

Yes. And it's been a huge help!

OP posts:
MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 31/03/2023 14:15

Yes school nursery is term time only and in school hours. Also the free hours only cover term time also.

LIZS · 31/03/2023 14:25

School based nurseries may only have one intake a year. Some will start after they are two, some three. Usually term-time only possibly am or pm sessions so may not work for you unless you have a cm or nursery to do pick ups and wrap around care.

Cakeandslippers · 31/03/2023 14:47

Soontobemumof2x · 31/03/2023 14:11

Did you just apply directly with the school 6 months before they turned 3?? Just unsure how early you can apply?

Show quote history

As there's only a September intake at our school you have to apply the December before you want them to start. My eldest was born in Jan so I applied just before she turned 3, my youngest was born in the summer so I had to apply not long after he turned 2.

If you want to use a school nursery you need to contact them to find out what their application process and deadline is. Lots have details on their website.

And as others have said it'll be term time only - no issue for us as we have a childminder. Our school has a lovely before/after school club and holiday club which lots of the nursery children go to but worth checking as the next nearest school won't allow children to attend theirs until they are in reception.

Cakeandslippers · 31/03/2023 14:48

And it doesn't matter how early you apply, they have criteria to allocate places so as long as you meet the deadline you will be considered fairly.

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