Waiting lists

[Tanith]

Does anyone know how long infant schools keep their waiting lists? Is it just until the Christmas term?

I am going to have a problem when applying for my DD next year and may need to keep her on the waiting list(s) longer than this.

Depends on the LEA I would expect, but the ones I've seen seem to be until December. We're moving and will probably have to go on a waiting list when we do. :(

I think you are automatically on until Dec but can ask to be kept on after this. You can always do in year applications if you still need a place once there are no longer waiting lists.

The Local Authority has to keep a waiting list open till Dec 31st by law. What the LA does after that is open to them, but they are still responsible for in-year applications (at present). They have to some how converse with schools to establish whether there is a space at the school.
Different LAs have different ways of handling waiting lists, so I would urge all to check that they are on the waiting lists and not assume they will automatically go on the list, they do not in quite a few LAs.

Thank you for your replies.

I am a childminder providing before and after school care to 3 infants, none of which are my local school. They're rural schools with virtually no other childcare options and I've provided this service for years. DD will have to go to one of them if I'm to continue.

Luckily, her birthday is in August and I can home educate her Reception year if necessary.

you will be on the waiting list untill the 31st december, in a couple of weeks phone your LEA they will be able to tell you where she is on the list for each school, if you have not had and offer by end of october, you can phone the LEA and get them to extend your stay on the waiting list till march, if she is in nursery you will be able to keep her there till the term after her 5th birthday, as she is august baby i think im right in saying she will then go straight into year 1