Leicester, Loughborough, or Nottingham?

[nicole728]

Hi- we're moving from the US this summer and I have a lot of questions. I'll have a 2 year old and and 4 year old and we haven't decided between Leicester, Loughborough, and Nottingham. I'm looking for city amenities but also enough opportunities for my children to meet other kids (classes, parks, indoor play areas, etc.). I also won't have a car and I'm accustomed to being able to things with a stroller.

My first question is whether or not I should be looking for schools or daycare for my 4 year old. She's in a Montessori preschool in the US, but its expensive and I was hoping for a free or low cost school option for her, since my 2 year old will likely attend a daycare (I still haven't figured out the average for that yet).

So, do 4 year olds usually attend daycare or school? Are there free school options? Which city is best for city amenities and kid socialization?

Crikey, not a choice I would like to make None of those cities have great reputations I'm afraid. I prefer Nottingham, Loughborough has it's good points and I wouldn't live near Leicester if you paid me!
( I'm sure there will be plenty of people with more positive views though!)
As for schooling, state schooling is free and children from 4 years old are eligible-depending on the month of their birthdate. The school year runs from September to September, so most children will start the September after they are four ( although some areas have slightly different arrangements. )

A child who is 4 by August 31st would normally start fulltime education in September. You need to apply as you have an address as reception entry applications for state schools were made in January . Allocations will be announced in mid April but you could join waiting lists and make a late application. Once state school places are announced there will be movement within fee paying schools if that is an option. Nottingham has a tram network for travelling around the city centre and is being extended to some suburbs.

I think the above is a bit unfair!
If you don’t drive then central leicester or nottingham along the tram route would be better than Loughborough. Plenty of opportunities for hobbies and classes for all ages in both cities.
Leicester has some decent schools (yes depending on area), both primary and secondary, state and private. Housing is affordable overall and crime is relatively low. Exact location depends on your budget but the East Midlands will get you more for your money than further south :)

Have you visited the area or have work commitments to a particular location?

I'm not sneering, I'm from Bradford!

I just think that, of all the amazing places to live in this country, Loughborough, Leicester and Nottingham wouldn't be my top three!

Why have you chosen that particular area OP?

LIZS- we have work commitments in Loughborough and we haven't visited.

also- my husband will have to travel to London occasionally, but I'm not really concerned with that too much since that would be infrequent and we'd rather the kids have good days.

spanieleyes- what is a good reputation and a bad reputation? What should I be looking out for? I don't think I'm too picky, but maybe I am and don't realize it.

Train from any of those places to London is fine. Tbh if he is working in Loughborough you would be better off living near there than Nottingham to avoid a fairly hideous commute, and the cost. Most towns will have a decent mum and toddler scene but you may soon feel limited by not driving.

You need to check out West Bridgford in Nottingham. It will be the answer to all your prayers.

So it sounds like I need an address before I can apply for a school... yikes, I was thinking about doing a short term rental to figure out the neighborhoods before committing first.

I was born and raised in Loughborough so may well be bias. I would pick there, there are a number of good schools. I don’t drive but get round ok the bus services are good and there is plenty to do in the town centre.
I now live in a village the other side of the M1 to Loughborough and regularly travel in there are a lot of groups going on. It worth looking at villages near Loughborough especially those on the 127 Arriva bus route it’s every 20mins.

I spent many happy years in West Bridgford, which is a town in itself but just a stone’s throw from Nottingham city centre. It’s got a great vibe for young professions and families. The commute to Loughborough isn’t too bad either - my DH used to do this no problem

Whats the reason for choosing city living?

What sort of housing will you be looking for?

What sort of commute are you looking for?

There are some very nice towns within easy reach of Loughborough with excellent schools, parks, transport and activities. The sort of property you want will help people recommend places.

I moved from London to the Clarendon Park area of Leicester. Schools are good, there's a lovely community, plenty of green space and it's very close to the City Centre.

www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/property/whats-like-live-clarendon-park-225122

MiaowTheCat that’s a pretty obnoxious comment. I would never be so rude about someone’s home.

oh yeah sure, West Bridgford is so dire with all its outstanding schools and massive period houses.

I don’t live there btw, I just think OP will like it and it’s easy to get to Loughborough from there, close to Nottingham city centre too.

Wondering if Miaow lives near me now.

OK just got Miaow, you could also look at Ruddington, The Park, Beeston, Wollaton. And seeing as it’s Easter, check out Bunny.

West Bridgford is nice but very busy and the schools would likely be full. I would look at somewhere like Ruddington or Keyworth which have plenty going on. Also good bus links into West Bridgford and Nottingham. Easy drive down the A60 to Loughborough.