Question about when to start school?

I've read that compulsory education in England begins at 5 (or at least the academic year that they turn 5), but there are plenty of schools that start as early as 2 for some children.

Do most children start school at such a young age, or are these more like American-style daycare centers and preschool programs that aren't necessarily required, but help get children ready for proper school?

I only ask because I'm moving this summer and my little boy just turned 2 last month. Does this mean I should be preparing to put him in nursery school this coming academic year?

Many UK children attend 'nursery' which is quite similar to preschool. IMO there is less of a distinction between preschool and daycare in the UK. In the US it sort of seems to be one or the other whereas in the UK I think it's mostly referred to as nursery and you'll find kids of parents who work and kids of parents who don't at the same place.

My kids did not start Reception in the UK but I believe you start that at age 4 and that is mandatory (with some leeway but I think that may have to do with learning difficulties and that sort of thing). I'm sure some UK-based Mums will be here soon to clarify further!

My son started "nursery" half days in September of this year, he was about three and a half, and its been great for him. You don't have to start them at that age, but its a great way to ease him into going into reception.

On that note - I looked into the schools in the area we're planning to move and they actually start their "rising fives" into the regular classes even if they miss the cutoff and are 4.  My son is a late 4 (September 14th) so I thought I would be starting him in school in the spring of 2010 or the fall of 2011 - but according to the website of the county school - he'll start full day school in the fall of 2010. 

A little girl who is a neighbor of my inlaws started reception at 4 - but it was only a half-day program to begin with - although they've said it will switch to full day at some point this semester.

O.k., that makes sense. I may enroll him in some playgroups or little programs for this coming school year, but I know he won't be quite ready (and neither is Mum!) for an all-day setting at age 2.5.

Thanks! 

So I know that the rules are not the same for the whole country - each council makes it's own specific rules.  In Sheffield, your son would start kindergarten/ reception the same fall he turns 4.   At 3, he would be qualified for 15 hours of free nursery care and many parents send their child more than 15 hours.

Nurseries in the UK have a wide range of formats.  Some are very much like day care, some are more like school.  They don't really have the distinction of preschools like the US.  Some kids go to nursery some don't.  Some go full time others pick different morning or afternoons.  Reception classes also are not set up the same as Kindergartens just so you know.  The UK nursery system is set up to feed into the reception program with standards that are nationalized and aligned.  

Do you know what council you will be living in Oonablah?  Then you will be able to choose.  

We'll be moving to Norwich City. I would like to put him into a Catholic school, if possible. It appears that Catholic schools in the area have classes for 3 years old and up.

I have loads to learn!

I don't know about Norwich, but the Catholic Schools here are part of the regular school system.  When you select the infant or primary school your son will attend you would have the choice of a Catholic schools, Church of England schools, or General school (sort of secular but they have Christian ethos and many still teach Christian prayers etc.).

In addition to these choices you could choose to send your child to a public school.  Now public schools here are actually what in the US are called private schools.  So you would pay tuition for the public schools but the other schools do not have a tuition fee.

It is a bit overwhelming but you will get here Oonablah.  I have an almost 4 year old and have moved with in the year.  I think I have visited every nursery and primary school in the council.  At least it felt like it.  The one thing to consider is if you know what school you want to send him to it is best to move into that school's catchman area.  In the Sheffield council your application for Fall 2011 would be due next Jan.  So you would have to be living in the right school area by then - plus who wants to move any more times than necessary.  (says the woman whose family has moved 3 times in the last 5 months? what do I know)

Direct - Parents is a good starting point to learning all the fun and wonderful world of parenting in the UK.

You don't need to prepare your son for nursery as such, but as Noreneh mentioned once he's 3 he'll qualify for free early learning - depending on your council this can be between 12.5 - 15 hours free.  From pesonal experience nursery is more like daycare than school as such, but each nursery will be different.  But it is seen more as a stepping stone to prepare children for school.

Seeing as your son's 2 you may want to consider a preschool for him to attend a couple days a week just so you can find time to get yourself settled in as well, but that's up to you.  My daughter turned 2 in November and was eligible to attend Preschool at the school we wanted then and there, but we opted to wait 'til January and have her start at the beginning of term.  She goes twice a week (2.5 hrs per session) and absolutely loves it! 

Once you've got a list of schools, carers or preschools as the case may be that you're looking at you may want to check their Ofsted rating and report to help get more perspective.

Alternatively you may want to check out NetMums to see what's available in your area (playgroups, nurseries, schools, activities etc).  On the forums you can chat with other Mums in the area you'll be living in to gain a better perspective of the schools available and what they're really like.

Also, checkout your local Sure Start Childrens Centre for activity groups for you and your son.  They'll also be able to tell you of other toddler groups in your area as well as have a list of carers, preschools and daycares in the area.

Good luck!

Ahhh, it never even occurred to me that the Catholic schools may be part of the regular districts, and not considered public (US private). Off to do more research!!

Thank you so much for all of the great links and information!!