Nursery/pre-school attached to a school: how does it work?

[soundsystem]

This is probably a really dim question, but...

With a nursery that's attached to a school, do you apply like for school or put your name down on a waiting list like for a private nursery? Do children start at the beginning of each term if there's space, or just once a year in September?

Mine have always been in private/day nurseries but my eldest is starting school in September and I'd like to move the youngest to the nursery at the school when he's 3. I will obviously contact the nursery directly, but I'd like to sound a bit less clueless if possible!

Thanks

The school and nursery will only share a site and won’t be linked in anyway

It could be either as you describe - some operate as a property nursery and you can join anytime - others are run term time only same as the school and you need to apply based on area siblings etc

You need to ring and ask or look for a website

Totally different around here from what pp has said. All school nurseries are run as part of the school. The classes are under the same EYFS as reception, teachers are employed and managed by the school, they go to the same assemblies, have the same sports day and are generally part of the school as any other year is.

Admissions are done differently though and with each you apply directly to the school rather than the LEA. The one we were at took kids in September and then if their were free places again in January.

Thank you both, really helpful!

I think my area is more similar to yours, Sleepinglemon, as there's a breakfast club that's shared with the reception class so it does seem joined up with the school, rather than simply being in the same place. And the website refers to the EFYS as included the nursery and reception as well.

I'll give the school a ring!

Depends. My DD goes to a school nursery where the reception and 3yo children are all in the same (massive) classroom and outdoor area. There is also a separate charity/private nursery that does wrap around which takes children from 2. Doesn't do holidays though.

Other local schools are slightly different.

It will completely depend on the individual setting so you won't look stupid for asking them. You may find the answers on their website though.
My dd's pre school you could only attend for the academic year before school and only start in September but that was their choice. They wore the same uniform, went to assembly etc. and the teacher and tas were all employed by the school like the other year groups.
You will always need to apply fit a reception school place though, usually through the lea, even if at the pre school.

At our primary the nursery is integrated but separate.
You apply via the school office and they say when/if you can start.
Nursery doesn't do stuff like assembly, and are semi included in things like sports day (eg might come out to do 1 activity, or might have their own day). They use school facilities like the hall and music room occasionally.
However for those continuing to the main school they do extra transitioning things like lunch in the school hall on some days in July.

You don't improve your chances of a school place by attending the nursery, and have to apply for Reception via the usual routes.

In my LEA, you apply for nursery school places directly to the school.

The nursery attached to my kids school takes kids in September, and then also in January and after Easter if there’s spaces. The council guidelines say they prioritise offers by the child’s date of birth if the nursery is oversubscribed.

The nursery at my DC’s school is very much run as part of the school, participating in school events, sharing class and playground space with the Reception kids etc.