Pre-school admission...a bit confused :S

[noisylurker]

DS is nearly 2, we're starting to think a bit more seriously about schools.

(as you do)

We have an 'outstanding' state school a minute away from us which also has a pre-school. I'm trying to find out at what point we would need to apply, and how. Does it help if you get your application in early?

I'm on the county website but while the information is fairly clear for primary and secondary admissions advice, I can't find anything specifically about pre-school. The dates given (ie if your child was born in x then you need to apply by y) seem to relate to entrance at reception level and not to the nursery. I'll be calling the school in the next couple of days so can ask then, but I don't want to sound like an idiot if this the sort of thing most people know by osmosis... when I can just do that on here :)

Can anyone help?

State schools in England do not have waiting lists.
Children can start school the september after their fourth birthday.
You would apply in the January, i think. Before they are due to start.

For pre-schools then apply asap, there is no official timescale, at my work-place we get some on the list from birth and our intake for this coming September was full from last September.

Preschool admission is more relaxed than school, ours don't have a set time to apply. Some start at 2, some 2 yrs 9 months. Ours just involves phoning or visiting and getting on the waiting list.

Great, thank you. I'll give them a call tomorrow. Their pre-school starts at 3 so hopefully we're not too late.

Getting into the pre-school will not mean your child has a place in reception. Do be aware of this, and be prepared.

Is there anything we can do about that mummytime, or do we just have to get our application in by the deadline and cross our fingers? We couldn't live much closer without moving next door, so are definitely in catchment.

Make sure you know what the admission criteria are, and make sure you get your application in on time. Just some people don't realise they have to apply when their LO is in the pre-school. (In England in lots of places there isn't a catchment as such, and there may be other criteria before distance.)
I wouldn't panic though.

Check out the local council information on criteria for admissions. Apart from that, yes you just have to get your application in by the deadline and cross your fingers!