Choosing State Nursery

[HappyMelP]

My daughter will be old enough to start state nursery next September.
I just wondered if anyone could offer any advice about how to get in touch and look round and put her name down. Is it too early now to do it for next year?
I know what things to look out for in a nursery as I am a nursery nurse but I have no experience of state nursery schools, only private ones

Thanx

[emily05]

In my area you have to put your childs name on a waiting list, so I dont think that you are too early.

Do you mean that you dd will be 3 and eligable for state funding? If so, it doesnt have to be a state nursery that she goes to - just any nursery that except the funding (which most do).
For instance all my local playschools(you know the old fashioned hall type!) were full (I left it a little late! lol). So I sent ds to a private nursery - which is fab and a bit posh!! They take on children of all ages, but for the 3 + children they do a 'pre school' session - which is covered by state funding. so ds does 5 2.5 sessions a week (term time) for free.

I hope this makes sense.

If I were you I would have a look to see what nurseries/playshools you have locally.

This website will give you a list here

They are inspected by ofsted, so if you want to see what ofsted say look here

Then ring around and ask to put your dd name down. (they may arrange for you to have visits)
Then nearer the time they normally write to you to arrange sessions.

hope this helps

[foxinsocks]

if you are talking about the nursery year at a state school, then you need to contact the school. Generally, sometime around November - December you will have to fill in an application form that states you want a place in the nursery (but check with the school or the council because every area is different as to when you apply).

For a state school, there are normally published admission rules for nursery so you'll be able to see what chance you think you'll have of getting a place.

I would say it's definitely not too early - in fact, they would expect you to get in contact now (but would probably only show you around once the new little ones have settled in)