Childcare & Schooling in England
Schools
To obtain your child (children) a position in a local schools there are a number of steps to take.
- Ask Around: Talk to your colleague at the school in which you have been placed. They will know which schools have strong reputations.
- Local Education Authorities (LEA): Each county has a local education office that is charged with processing all schools admission applications. To find your LEA please visit:
www.dfes.gov.uk/localauthorities/index.cfm?action=authority - School Admissions Code of Practice: Understand that there are regulations in place that determine schools admissions procedures.
www.dfes.gov.uk/sacode/docs/DFES-School%20Admissions.pdf - Do you research!: OFSTED holds reports on all schools across England and these reports will give you a comprehensive overview of your local schools.
www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports
Find information about schools, childcare and nurseries
http://schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk/
Childcare
Your childcare options include:
- nursery classes, nursery schools and day nurseries
- pre-school playgroups
- reception classes
- accredited childminders who are part of an approved network
- Children's Centres
Your local Children's Information Service (CIS) can also advise you on childcare options and availability in your area. These services provide quality, impartial information and guidance on childcare, early education and other children's services.
They hold information on Ofsted registered childcare such as day nurseries, out-of-school clubs, pre-school playgroups and childminders, as well as unregistered childcare such as parent and toddler groups. You can get the telephone number of your nearest CIS by calling ChildcareLink on 0800 096 0296
For more information:
www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp
Free education for under fives
All children in England are entitled to receive a free, good quality, part-time early education place. This consists of a minimum of 12.5 hours per week for 38 weeks a year.
