nursery to reception

[Trish1200]

Although schools say that having a child in a nursery attached to a school wont help the child to get a place at reception, does anyone know if that is really the case? surely it is beneficial to the child not to be moved and having to adapt to a new school? I?m about to fill in applications for school nurseries, but I'm worried that he'll get a place now, and then having to move after making friends etc. will be hard for him.

Getting a place at a particular primary school will depend on the admissions policies for your local area. You could try your local council's website which should have an education page and may give details of admissions policies.

I agree, it is benefitial for the child, however the school/local authority will stick to their admissions criteria which will usually be:

1. children in care
2. siblings
3. any faith requirements such as baptism/church attendance if it's a faith school
4. distance from school

DD has just started reception and several of her friends from the school nursery class have not got in due to distance from the school and have been allocated places at their second or third choice schools that are closer.

Catchemnt areas for nurserys are often bigger than for the school as some kids stay in full time day nurserys or stay at preschool for the nursery year.

If you want your son to stay with the friends(though they may not get into the school!) he makes at nursery then consider if he really does have a chance of getting into the school.