When should I start looking at school applications for DS (3 years old)

[Coffeeisyourfriend]

Just that basically! My mum told me yesterday I need to be doing it all now and it's got me all in a panic, DS just turned 3 so am I supposed to be looking around schools already and filling in forms? I figured with it having just been the applications for this year that next years would start from this September, but I know exactly nothing on this topic so could be completely wrong!
I've read up already about the way it works re preferences etc but at the moment there's nothing on my local council website about application dates for next year just all about this years and I know which schools I'll be putting on the form already (I don't have much choice where I live - 3 schools but one we'd most likely be out of catchment) and they seem to all be on the same level as each other if that makes sense.
But I just don't know what I should be doing, if anything, right now. Do I need to write to the council for an application form now or will I be made aware at some point in the next few months about when to start doing everything? This has crept up so fast!

I think applications start around September (I should remember exactly as I’ve only just done them for DD1!). Applications close in Jan and I ya not a ‘first come first served’ system so you have loads of time.
I have 2 children in consecutive school years so will be doing it all again this year as soon as DD1 starts!

Oh and applications are done online so you don’t need a form.

Assuming he starts September 2019, then applications will open some point in the autumn (this varies from region to region) and will close mid-January 2019.

Most schools do open days in September and October. There's no harm in starting to look at websites and see what schools in your area are like, but no need to contact them until next term I should think.

For Sept 19 entry you need to apply by Jan 15th next year. Applications won't even be open yet so if you know which schools you'll put down already relax. You might want to visit the schools to see if you have a preference which you can do now if they're happy to show you round.

Thank you so much! Thought my mum was talking bull (she said it is 'first come first served' but I know that's no longer the case from my google search) but needed to be sure and since its just been this years I figured it would be fresh in everyones head on here!
Yeah he'd be going Sept '19 at 4 years old, I think this is why I'm a bit confused by it all because I'm sure my niece was 5 when she started (a good few years ago) but she was born in December whereas my DS is a May baby so he'd just be the youngest in the class I assume.
So basically I can nosey on websites but don't really need to look into anything until August/September time onwards?

Yes, exactly that! We did school visits for DD1 in October last year.
She’ll be nearly 5 when she starts in September but DD2 is a July baby so will be only just 4 when she starts next year.

Brilliant! Thanks SoyDora and everyone else, I can relax now!

A school class usually ranges from Sept 1st-August 31st. DS1 was the youngest in his reception class having just turned 4 when the oldest was 5 only a week later.

It's definitely not 1st come, 1st served either!

Each school has published admission criteria which must be strictly adhered to. Generally I'd suggest putting your catchment school as one of your choices and make sure you put your favourite first even if you think there's no chance of getting place. Also, use all your choices and don't listen to people who tell you only putting one school means you definitely get a place.

So basically I can nosey on websites but don't really need to look into anything until August/September time onwards? yep. Keep an eye on the websites of the schools you want to visit for dates, or drop them an e-mail. Round here the various school did the open days oct-dec time, then the application deadline is in January and is definitely not first come first served unless you apply late, in which case anyone who applied on time would get a place before you.

The above advice assumes you are in England or Wales. I know the Scottish system is different and would assume the NI system would be different as well.

It's worth looking at them - they might only permit visits on official open days so you'd need to book in. When you put your application in, you rank the schools you're naming. That makes no difference to whether you qualify for any particular school, just tells the council which one you'd rather if you're lucky enough to qualify for more than one. Visiting could give you a better idea of which is better for your child rather than just better on paper.

If you keep an eye out, the schools you are thinking of may have summer fairs you could attend. A nice way to see the school informally.