no idea please help!

[LylaLils]

Hello I'm a first time mum...well due next week. I know the school I want my little one to go to but I have no idea when I'm supposed to start application process. I've heard the school is hard to get into. Is it an idea to visit the school well before the child is ready for nursery and put my name down or do I just wait until its time to apply. Sorry, useless. What is the normal protocol on getting little one into nursery and then school. The school's website doesn't seem to say. Thanks for any replies in advance.

If it is a state school - you apply the September before they are due to start along with everyone else. If it private you can put their name down at any point, although some do charge a retainer for doing this.

If it's a state school, you apply to the local authority and put it as first choice on your list of up to six schools. The nearer you live to the school, the better. You can ask them or the local council if they have a catchment area and whether you are in it, but that's not say it will be accurate by the time your little one is due to go. It also depends on whether your baby makes an arrival in August or makes you wait until September...you may have a long wait before he/she starts school!

Your council website should have all the information you need about applying to schools. State school applications are managed centrally by the council - there's no need to contact the school directly to put your child's name down.
About 18 months before your DC starts school, schools may hold open days etc. so it is worth phoning round all your local schools at that stage so you can go and visit them all.

Nurseries are a different kettle of fish - best to get your DC's name down as soon as possible, especially if you are planning an early return to work.

Good luck for your baby's safe arrival very soon.