What age do toddlers generally start nursery/preschool?

[FurryFox]

Or what is the youngest they can start? Is it 2.6 years or before or after?

DD is 18 months old - do I need to start getting her name down now or should I have done that a long time ago?

I know nothing and only just realised!

If you are thinking of a sessional preschool/nusery/playgroup as opposed to daycare nursery then 2 1/2-3 is the "norm" but not obligatory. You'd get some free/subsidised sessions(LEA funded) from the term after she turns 3 . Worth looking now to get a place for the one of your choice when you want it.

I think it depends where you live and how many nurseries there are compared to the number of children needing places. Some nurseries have a long waiting list but if you register him now he should be able to start at 2.5 or 3 years old which is when most nurseries take children.

I have a lovely local playgroup that takes 2.5 year olds and was going to register him last month (he just turned 2). I was told I should have put his name down at 18 months old to have any chance of getting him in before he went to school . I think most nurseries recommend applying when your child is 2 though.

You should do it now. If you are thinking about it, so are lots of other mums with 18 month olds! Gives you time to look around a few and make a decision.If you do it now you should get what you want, but if you leave it 6 months you may not get a place when she's 2.5

mine wont be able to start till she is exactly 3...best to check with the preschool as some can get in earlier than 3

Yes - do it now !

I had dd down from about 14 months for a popular one to start at 2.5. Actually I changed my mind recently and got her into another one a few weeks ago (when she was almost 2) to start at same point. however, she is 2.5 in September which I think makes it easier as they have the most people leaving.

Thanks ladies for your advice. Have started getting phone numbers and stuff and am going to start putting her name down asap. Thanks again