moving to UK, info about nurseries/pre-schools needed

[niulek]

Dear Mums, I have just joined your network while still being abroad. Over 3 months me and my family will be moving to UK, just south of Greater London. It is all planned on a short notice and so I don't have anything arranged for our 2 years old boy. We will need to find a nursery and deal with all formalities asap. I don't know where to start . Could you provide me with some links or any other info about the nurseries/pre-school system in UK. Where to search, how to apply, how to choose, how to pay/are there any allowances/refunds, what choices I have and what is most important to check? Any piece of information will be useful. It feels so overwhelming to know that we are entering a new country and we need to lear everything at once, but I want to spare my child all the stress of moving and changing the environment as much as possible and I want to prepare us somehow for it all. Thanks in advance for any tips!

There are several types of childcare / education available...

You get three hours a day during term time for free from the term after your child turns 3, if you choose to somewhere that provides this. Schools and preschools generally do; most nurseries do too but you will have to pay for any hours you use above and beyond this.

If you (or the child's other parent) is being paid in the UK, find out whether your employer offers childcare vouchers. You get the vouchers in lieu of some of your salary, but you don't pay tax on them. They can be used to pay for nursery etc.

Nurseries - generally operate 8am-6pm or slightly longer, and you can sign up for whatever combination of full or half days you need. We found the OFSTED website was useful for finding nurseries near our house (though take the reports themselves with a pinch of salt).

School nursery classes (state schools) - generally offer 3 hours a day during term time. Often from the September after the child's 3rd birthday, but sometimes the term after.

School nursery classes (private schools) - often offer longer days than the state schools, and may also have wraparound care.

Preschools - often in church halls etc. Another place where you can get your three hours a day during term time for free. Some will do the same for a fee for younger children.

Other options if you need childcare are a childminder, nanny or au pair.

Does that help?

You would be best contacting the Early Years Education department of the new area, usually it is the London borough or county council. They will hold a list of childcare facilities but you would then need to contact each for vacancies. Do you need full daycare or a preschool (which would run mornings and/or afternoons sessions). There is much more choice for the latter. Early years Funding at the moment starts the term after the child turns 3 but in some areas it is changing to 2 year olds, for the equivalent of 15 hours per week during school termtime only (around 37 weeks).

Thank you Spindelina and LIZS! Your info is a good starting point. Now wish me luck that I can manage everything on time and get a great nursery for my little boy