Choosing a preschool

[stargirl1701]

DD1 will be 3 in September 2015 and we are beginning to think about her ante-preschool year in nursery. We are in Scotland. As I understand it, her place at a school nursery would start after the Oct hols if we choose a school nursery and after Jan in a private nursery.

Registration for school nursery is in Jan/Feb so we need to decide soon. Those of you who have done this already, any top tips?

At the moment, I think I want info on

Philosophy
Staff qualifications
Staff ratios
Timing of sessions
Cost inc top up fees
Waiting list

And, we would, ideally, prefer to visit each setting. Our ideas, so far, include:

The private nursery in the village.
The nursery class at the local primary school.
The nursery class at the primary school where I work.
The nursery class at school next door to where I work.
The nearest outdoor nursery which I know is sector leading.
The nearest Montessori nursery which is well regarded.

What else should we consider in terms of info/settings?

It would depend on the area and demand whether she would be eligible start at a school nursery any sooner than Sept 2016. Many only have one intake per academic year. Early Years Funding would be available from Jan 2016. Are you sure there aren't already waiting lists for the private ones?

Not sure of anything at the moment, tbh. Sent out the first emails today. Funding would be from Jan in the private nurseries and Nov in the school nurseries. Do people apply more than one year in advance for a place at a private nursery?

www.pkc.gov.uk/article/3828/Nursery-registration

There seem to be 4 intakes on an academic year for school nursery according to this council document.

Oh, I should say we plan for her to start at 3, not just now. So 9-12 months from now. That wasn't clear in my OP.

ah Scotland may differ, sorry missed that in OP.

Before choosing a preschool for your daughter, don’t forget to compare the school’s programs. It would become easier to opt for the best one.

Preschool can be chosen on the basis of many factors as like infrastructure, distance, teachers and staff qualifications and many things suitable for you and your child.

I have a four year child and he has been in a preschool for a month now. I am living in New York and my child’s preschool is just 10 min away from my house. I advise you to compare all the preschools that in your local area. IMO A preschool with a qualified staff who know how to take care of tiny tots and understand their need is best