When do you register your child for their primary place????

[fifitot]

Sorry for being dim but my council website page has confused me! Kids do start primary school at 5 don't they? I have decided to keep my DD in her nursery until she starts primary school, she is 3 in July 2009. Does this mean that when I want to register for a primary place I do it when she is 4?

Very confusing but I'm a first time parent!!!!

For state school - the year before they are due to start. So you start applying for the schools, normally via the LEA form, the Septmeber before you want them to begin.

So, your DD is 3 in July 2009, so will begin school in Septmeber 2010 - after turning 4. In some LEAS she may start in January 2011. (Legally you can keep her out of education til she has turned 5)

Regardless of if Sep 2010/Jan 2011 start you would fill in your paperwork between September-December 2009 - this year.

Private schools - apply direct to school generally, anytime from birth

I think your catchment school will send you a form which you use even if you want to apply to a different (state) school in about December which you have to return by the February for a September start,not sure if its different for Jan/April intakes

Thanks! So she can start at 4 then? Wow. My little baby!!!!!!!

If she is in nursery you will be given a form through them.

Or you can prob apply on line. More and more LEAs have one entry which would mean she starts sept 2010 at age 4 and a bit.

BTW you cay she "can" start at 4 - in fact virtually all children do - it's true you can start her at 5 ie sept 2011 for you but I wouldn't advise it (for all kinds of reasons - see threads passim).