Confused about "waiting lists" when should we do it and how?

[madmacbrock]

If anyone could clear this up for me I would really appreciate it. My son has just turned 2 (August baby!) so will be looking to start reception in Sept 2015. I have been told to get him on the "list" since he was born!. but im struggling to find out how to put him on this "list" and where it is? I have spoken to two schools who have told me to fill in the form on the LA (cheshire west) website, from what I can tell this is just for children who will start in 2014. Should I stop looking for this mystery list and wait till nest year or can anyone tell me where it is? Sorry if this seems really dumb and thanks in advance for any help.

Unless you are applying for private schools, just relax! You can't apply until next year for state schools and there is no benefit from being early, just make sure you aren't late!!

You can't find lists because they don't exist.

For state schools, you apply during the applications window which runs annually on set dates (roughly start of autumn term until mid January of the school year before the year your DC starts).

State schools hold waiting lists (or continuing interest lists) if they are over-subscribed after allocations have been made, so if a vacancy arises it can be offered to the child at the top of the waiting list. They do not exist until after the first rid of allocations.

For state schools you apply the year prior to them starting. For Sept 2015 intake, you' d apply between Sept - Dec 2014. You apply via the local authority, the individual schools don' t keep lists.

Lovely. Thought that might be the case but puts my mind at rest that ive not missed something. Thank you all again.

What I would suggest is that next year you start to go and have a look at some of you local schools to see what they are like. Many schools will ask for your details so that they can make sure you get any relevent information. Certainly mine makes sure it contacts all parents just before Christmas who have visited the school to make sure that they have applied.
The period for application is from September 2014 through to Jan15th 2015 and you can apply via email or written completed form. Please make sure that the form is received, you should get confirmation that it has been received.
You also need to be carefully to be sensible with your choice of schools. Many schools in Chester and full and so you need to be looking at your local schools, rather than the "go-to" school according to the local parent popularity league.