Too late to register for Preschool?

[LClark]

Hi,

I am relocating to SW London/Surrey area in May for my husbands work, he will be working in Twickenham. My son has just turned 2 last week and I am concerned that I won't have registered him for a preschool place. Will I be too late to do it now? Problem is we don't know exactly where we will be living but we are thinking somewhere in Richmond (any advice on areas also appreciated). I am expecting baby no.2 in July so childcare isn't an issue but my child currently attends nursery 3 days a week and loves it so I would like him to continue.
Thanks for any help.

I can't comment on your particular area, but based on my own experience, I would say that just turned 2 isn't too late.

As you are probably aware, he won't get his funded preschool provision until the term following his 3rd birthday anyway, so you're looking at April 2011. Some preschools are full by the 3rd term of the year, but it's worth even seeing if you can get him in somewhere for September 2011.

I'd get a list of preschools in the area and phone any that you like the sound of, and ask about their admissions policy. Even if they say that they're fully booked for next year, ask if you can go on a waiting list. I often find that people who book a place with me then don't show up, or ring us and say that they're going to go elsewhere... and then I look to see who's top of the waiting list and offer them the place instead.