London-area preschools?

[marriedfilingjoint]

My daughter is 3 and she attends full-day preschool while I work. If I work at all when we're in the UK it will be part time from home, but for consistency and socialization I would still like her to attend preschool while we're abroad. What is British pre-school like? Her current school is Montessori style (even though they don't call themselves a Montessori school). My husband's coworker's kids attended ACS Egham International School which appears to be part of a chain and they do offer preschool.

What about playgroup/mum's morning out type programs?

[mrsukyankee]

There are Montessori schools in London - in fact, there is one about 1/2 mile from me in Cricklewood. No sure the age they start though. I don't have kids so can't answer this fully, but I'm sure there will be a few mums who can.

[blushing]

Full day preschool's will usually be at a nursery/creche. They are usually open from 8am to 6pm and a hot lunch and snacks are usually included. They usually open all year round.

Proper 'preschools' are just mornings so from 9am to 12pm or just afternoons for 3 hours.  A snack is included. Only open 38 weeks of the year. This is divided into 3 terms with a week off half way through each term.

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free preschool for 38 weeks of the year.

[blushing]

Also depending on when your daughter's birthday is, she will start primary/infant school the first September after her 4th birthday. That is from around 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday for 38 weeks of the year.

[marriedfilingjoint]

Very helpful, thanks! It sounds like she'll just miss the primary school cutoff.

[UnderProtest]

Not sure how much I can help, but we just moved and put our kids in nursery school. We decided to do private school and the one that was most convenient and actually had two open spots has afternoon school (2-4) for the 2 year olds. The term after they turn 3 they can go to morning school (8:30-12:30). My kids just turned 3 in October and they will start morning school in January. They also have an option to extend the day to a full day (8:30-4) on some or all days. It really depends on the school. Oh, and our school is a fairly stuff English school, but they have learned a ton and seem to love it.

I haven't found any mom's groups, but if you can still get into a NCT group, that might help. I can't remember what the age is for that. Really I've met moms/nannies through school.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I think some of it depends on where you live. Nappy Valley/Clapham is much more kid friendly than other places.

[fbf2006]

My son started nursery school (daycare) a month ago at 18 months. My area seems to have a decent amount of nursery schools and they have part time (something like 8-12, 2-6) hours available. My son goes full time. Right now, his is private so we pay full price. I'm still trying to figure out the local schools, which in my area, kids start around 3 years old but I think I like a private Montessori school close to me.

Check if your area has Children Centers. Mine does. Before I started work, I used to take my son there. They have playgroups every day, as well as, parenting classes and much more. It was all free!

[marriedfilingjoint]

Very cool, thanks!