when to sort primary school?

[candr]

Not sure how it works in this country despite being a primary teacher myself. What age should your child be before you get them registered at primary school? Do I just go to the school I want and get some forms?Should I go to all the local primary schools in case the nearest is full?

what age is your lo? Are you in Scotland or England?

p.s. I am in Scotland and our enrolment is happening just now for children starting school in August

If your child turns 5 over the Sept 2012- Aug 2013 academic year then you need to do it now. (if you're in England).

Pick a few local schools you like, catchment and just out of catchment. Speak to friends of young children, parents at toddler groups / activities, visit the school. Just get an idea of what schools you prefer and which are practical to travel to (IMO).

I started looking about a year before I had to apply. I would wander past the schools at playtimes to get a feel for the place and I checked the OFSTEDS.

Where I am in Hertfordshire I was told by our local primary to wait until the LEA contacted me with an application form. DS was about 12mo at the time and, judging by the way they reacted to my question, they thought I was a bit of a nutter for even asking that far ahead :) The forms duly arrived as promised. I think they must have a database of local children, dates of birth etc.