When do you have to start looking at pre-schools?

[liamsdaddy]

DS is 18 mo and my DW is a SAHM. Currently DS isn't going to any nurseries, and we don't really intend to change that till he is 3.

In my close neighbourhood, there are 2 small pre-schools (cosidering the size and number of houses of the area thats almost pitiful). Within the town I live in there are many more, but nothing in walking or easy cycling distance.

When would it be best to start reviewing and talking to potential nurseries?

I'm assuming I can't just leave it till he is 3 yrs and hope to jump straight in - or can you do that?

Would I expect to get some kind of resistance because we are only really wanting to put him in for the 38 week goverment backed place?

In my opinion; as soon as possible.

Our preschool was full by May for the September intake so I wouldn't leave it too late.

From my rough estimation your DS will turn 2 in April and therefore will qualify for early years funding from Sept 2012 (the term after your DS turns 3).

In this instance it might be worth just contacting your local nurseries and registering your interest. It will give you the opportunity to find out whether the nursery is over-subscribed (therefore early registration is essential) or whether they had places close to the start of the new term. It is also a good opportunity to look round the nursery and see how it operates and whether you feel DS will be happy there.

I registered DD with our choice of nursery in April (she started in September) and happily got the sessions I wished for. My friend registered her DS in September for January's intake (same nursery) and she has had to accept a combination of am and pm sessions as there is no availability for all am or all pm sessions.

HTH.