Help to understand the English system please

[dimdarkashian]

I'm Scottish and the school system in Scotland is pretty straightforward.

I live in Hertfordshire now and have a 3 year old who has been attending private nursery for a couple of years. I had assumed this is where he'd stay until reception year.

However, some of his friends are now leaving to go to a pre-school. I feel like perhaps I am doing him a disservice? Should he attend a pre-school aged 3-4? Does this guarantee you a place at the primary, is that a reason parents do this? Or is it really so much better for preparing them for school?
I'm confused and don't really have anyone I can ask who would be objective.
And what's with the infant, lower, middle, junior, upper...that's a whole other thread!
Thanks in advance.

In pre schools are nothing to do with admissions to primary. Some parents like school pre schools as they have older siblings already st the school so easier having everyone together, they are often covered by 15/30 hour funding so good if you just need school hours childcare, they may get to know the children they will be in school with, they are often led by a qualified teacher and of high quality. But if you are happy with your provision there is no need to move (and you may well be too late to get a place anyway).

Thanks for your reply and clarification:)

If he's happy at nursery and there are other children his age there, then I'd leave him there, unless you have another reason to move him.

As a general point you really need to get clued up on how the application process for schools works in your area.

Maybe start with your council's website to make sure you get it right.

For schools we can apply in January and find out in April. I just didn't realise there was also pre-school to think about.

Thanks for all the replies.

If the Pre-school is attached to the Primary school, then it is possible it is led by a qualified teacher. Some parents prefer that.
If it is though, the ratio of dc to adults will be higher.
In your private Nursery the ratio for 3 - 4 yr olds will be 1:8 maximum. Where a teacher is in charge the ratio becomes 1:13

People might prefer a pre school as they are often local, 9-12 which might suit some people more, and they make lots of friends who will probably end up together in Reception so lots of familiar faces.

Beyond that, schools are usually either
-primary 4-11
-infant 4-7, then separate junior 7-11. These were very common in previous years, but large numbers have merged to become primaries.
Secondary-either grammar or comps (or secondary moderns, but that’s another thread!).

Then, to make things more confusing, some areas have first schools (4-8), middle schools (8-12) then high schools (12+). I don’t know why and have never lived in an area that have them.