How do you find a school?

[SayHitIsntSo]

Hi everyone
New here, and new to the UK :-) We came from abroad due to DH's Job (relocation!)

DS is 15months old, and I was told we need to register him for school ASAP- the latest when he turns 2

He was born in November (2008) and I was told by some that he'll start school just before he turns 4 (meaning, September 2011)- but some have told me that since he was born in November he'll start when he's almost 5 (i.e. September 2012)

Is that true?
Why is this SO confusing?!?!
And how the heck am I supposed to know if a school is good or not? I don't know anyone here so can't have word of mouth (so to speak) about any school or education.

I have tried looking at OFSTEAD but I don't know which schools to look at, and I understand there's this whole thing about catchment area- how do I know if I'm located within the "school of my choice"'s catchment area? We are willing to move to get him enrolled in a good school- but move where?!

So please please, help me have a daft's guide to UK schools

Oh, we live in NW London if that makes any difference.....
Huge thanks!

No you don't need to register yet unless it is a fee paying school in which case catchment is irrelevant. Otherwise you would apply the year before he starts Reception( which is when he will be about to turn 5, Sept 2012) or a year prior for a state preschool taking 3-4 yr olds - soem of which are attached to primary schools. The applications are usually handled centrally by the Local Authority, Borough or Council. Check their local website for details of what applies in each area as they do differ.

If you want to find a non state funded preschool or daycare nursery you may well want to look for one now, even to start a year or two hence. The term after a child turns 3 (so in your case Januray 2012) he will become eligible for government funding of up to 15 hours at preschool/nursery/approved childminder.

This may help.

Thank you so very much!
will look into it.
And will try and contact Barnet (our council).

Many thanks

Another thing that can help is to go along to your local Mums and toddler groups. Not only will you meet people you will meet people in the know!. Get the local gossip on schools etc. However bear in mind there is often a lot of snobbery about which schools are good so make sure you look for yourselves.

That's just it- Where do I find these mums and toddler groups??

Your local library might have a list. Many are run in church halls.

I did go to the local library and found nothing...

Try mumsnet local on here, the tab at the top. I've found that a hive of useful information...

Aha I am in barnet. Have a look at this guide there is a map on page 28 which will show which schools are near to you. the guide also says how to apply, when to do it etc etc etc.

There are some excellent schools in barnet but the bad news is many (more than half) have entry criteria based on religious practice and so you may not be eligible for them.

Good news is that most schools in barnet are pretty good - even the "bad" schools are good on teh whole IYSWIM.

Look at the map and take it from there. You have plenty of time to get to grips with it if your son is only 15months. If you are religious and one of the religious schools fits the bill and is near you then i suggest that you look closely at the entry requirements for that particular school to find out what they look for.

HTH this is my expert subject any questions just ask

here guide for things to do and number to phone to find out about toddler groups, for 08/09

wow thnx ladies!!!!