!

[newlondonmum1]

Hi ladies...

I hope that I can start a conversation here to get some clarity on how we get our kiddies into a preschool. We will be moving to London from Europe in March for new jobs, and hope to live in N1 area, hopefully Angel, Islington or somewhere more central up the Northern Line - and we have been told to choose our home based on our school choice. But, I'm finding it really hard to understand the system, and find a preschool for each of my kids, 2.5 and 4.5 years old that I can trust.

From what I have researched, because we will only be renting from March, I understand we have missed the admissions date. So, what does that mean? we must put them into a private preschool until they get past the waiting list? and if so,where? and what are the prices? are there any preschools with prices less than the £3,500 per term prices I see online? We can't afford that!

And what about times, both myself and my hubby will be working 9 to 5 - so what happens after 3.30pm?

This all seems like such a challenge!

Any opinions would be much appreciated - thank you.
x

When is your older dc's bday - he may be due to be in school (Reception) already if he was 4 before Sept 1st last year , otherwise he will be in Reception from this September. This is probably the more immediate issue as you have missed the deadline for applying for Reception in September , if applicable, and would be treated as a late admission in the process one you have moved - check the council's website for how they deal with this - so the reality may be that you have no real choice of State school anyway. Private school will almost certainly be at the waiting list stage now but there will be movement once people know which state school they are being offered, just before Easter. If he is 5 before September then you will have to follow the In Year Admissions procedure once you have moved or have a signed lease.

"Private" preschools (ie usually but not necessarily those not on school premises ) are not always that dear and can be variously described as nursery, daycare , preschool , playgroup etc. They allocate spaces on basis of age and availability not geography so you could in theory apply for places now. Those over 3 are entitled to funding for 15 hours per week towards the cost. The council of wherever you are going to live will have an Early Years department within Children's Services or Education which will hold a list of local Early Years providers which accept funding. Each will operate its own hours - some only do 3 hour sessions term time, others all day all year round, so you'd need to ask what is available and see if it meets your needs . If you need extra cover maybe a child-minder could do the pick ups/extended hours for you .

You may want to repost this with a clearer title to attract more replies.