HELP - returning to Brighton from Oz and need to find a good nursery preschool for DD

[brightongirldownunder]

She's 3 in a few weeks and has had a childminder over here shared with 3 other kids, so obviously will be daunted by a large nursery full of new faces. I want to minimise the blow as much as possible with a smaller nursery if possible.
We're moving back to our house in Hanover, so one nearby would be handy.
Also, can someone explain the difference between nursery and preschool?
I'm really confused and don't know how to start to get this sorted....

Thanks in advance!

The Family Information Service can send you a list of nurseries centered around your home postcode. If you then look at their Ofsted report, you'll see how many children they are registered for which will give you an idea of size.

Nurseries provide full care, 8-6 (or around those times) every week day. Preschools normally run in am/pm sessions, and in terms. So it depends if you need childcare to work, or just as a break.

Either way, from September you will get at least 12.5 hours free childcare a week

Thanks CMOT. I'm self employed, so am wondering if the preschool route is favourable....

Depends whether you can get enough done in 3 hours a day, with no flexibility, or whether doing the same hours somewhere that you can ask for longer times/extra sessions when you need them would be better

Oh right so preschool hours are just 3 at a time?
Thats not going to help..think it has to be flexible

I am not sure of the waiting list situation, but Tarnerland is in/near Hanover and people always rave about it - but it may be worth getting in touch with them sooner rather than later.

As for nurseries in schools, I think that these will already be full for september (our school is giving out places in the next few weeks I think, but people have had names down for a while I think).

Most nurseries let you have a school day hours of 9-3, and then just pay the extra if you need them to start early/stay late on a particular day (or do just mornings/afternoons, full day 3 days a week etc). Generally, they are pretty flexible with your regular hours as to how you set them up, unless you are in an area of very high demand.
Also a v good source of babysitters, which may be of help

Thanks so much guys!
I have so much to do, organising everything this end. Its great to know I have help back in Blighty too. I was worried that the hours for nurseries weren't that flexible, so glad I can arrange my day a bit more easily.

Hi there! I'm in Hanover too - there's a couple of good nurseries I know about, Orchard Day care and Little Oaks. I tried Tarnerland but they didn't have any spaces until September (it is meant to be very good).

Tarnerland and Royal Spa are both state run nursery schools and are briliant.

Tarnerland does have the edge though and it also has an all year round day care nursery attached which is open 8am-6pm all year round.

Im off to call Tarnerland - thanks everyone!!