Suggestions for N1 area preschools that don't cost and arm and a leg?

[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

I can't make any recommendations for the area you are interested in, but wanted to make a couple of general points.

Pre-school in England is non-statutory (ie children are not required to attend one, nor are LEAs obliged to find you a place in one). You'd have to check the borough website for information on how to register (and when you can) if you want a state sector place. It strikes NE as very unlikely you'd secure one for your DC1, but might be in the running for DC2 depending on age when they admit.

If you need to cover working hours 9-5, then you'd need to look for a private nursery. There are many that are open for those hours, but yes, they are eye-wateringly expensive.

Or you could hold off on preschool and try a different childcare arrangement such as a childminder.

You might also need to look ahead to school for DC1. Will s/he be 5 by 1 September?

Thank-you for your comments! It's so much more helpful than blindly Googling!! :(

Yes, we will need to cover 9-6 for both of us.

What about the government program of free 15 hours per child? Is that not applicable for private nursery?

My DC1 will be 5 in September - but I understand that we have missed the application dates. We won't have a renting address until March this year. No idea what to do about that.

Moving with kids is a bit of a nightmare for just this reason.

I agree that your best bet is likely to be a private nursery or childminder. You can use the 15 free hours at lots of private nurseries (and some childminders, I believe).

I think you'll be able to apply for a school place for DC1 as soon as you move, but you could speak to islington admissions to check: [email protected] or 020 7527 5515. You may well not get your first choice of school though, because you will have missed the admissions deadline.

Where will you be working? Have you lived in London before?

Hi OP. Sounds like you are used to a different set up vs the UK. Here, your eldest DC will need to start school is Sept 14. They start in Reception the Sept after they turn 4. Yes you have missed the application deadline (was Jan 15) but you can make a late application as soon as you have an address. If March, that is good as you will be in situ on allocation day (mid April) and subsequently which is when you would hope to see some movement on waiting lists. The council will need to find your eldest DC a school place but this may not be at your nearest/preferred school, but will be somewhere in the borough. Then you have to sort out some childcare till Sep. Your youngest will most likely need a day nursery - preschools don't usually admit until the term after child is 3 and then often it will be 9-12 or at best 9-3.30 (rare). You will also need wrap around care for your school aged DC - some schools offer this, some don't. Even if they do, an 8-6 day may prove long for a 5 year old so if you can find a childminder to help with pick up etc that can work better. Day nurseries cost upwards of 1k per month for a full time place, childminder or breakfast club/after school club on top. Have a good trawl through the Islington council website, they will have lists of nurseries/childminders and also a Starting primary school brochure which explains the school admission process in detail.It will take a little while till it all falls into place but once it does it's a fun place to live. Good luck.

Hello ladies!

Thanks for all your advice - me and mr.Google were not having so much luck alone.

I'll be working in Old Street area - and lived in London as a student 6 years ago now - very different scenario! :)

Thanks for the Islington email address and tel. I'll follow up on that one!

Also a relief to hear that March is not such a bad time for a late application - maybe we'll be lucky.

I'm going to speak with Islington admissions tomorrow and I'll let you know the update :)