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Everything You Should Know About Schools and Nurseries as a New or Expectant Parent

  • Writer: Morgane Besins
    Morgane Besins
  • Oct 2, 2025
  • 3 min read

Expert insight from Edward Borton, Co-Founder of ESB Consulting and former Assistant Head at King’s College School, Wimbledon


Choosing the right nursery or school may feel like a far-off decision — especially if you’re still navigating sleepless nights or awaiting your baby’s arrival. But in many areas of the UK, early planning is essential, with some sought-after nurseries and schools requiring registration from birth.


In this guide, education advisor Edward Borton walks you through what expectant and new parents need to know — from application timelines to private school assessments — so you can plan with confidence.


Nursery & School Basics in the UK

  • Nurseries typically welcome children from 6 months to 4 years old

  • School starts with Reception, the first year of formal education, in the September following your child’s fourth birthday



Types of Nurseries & Early Years Settings


👶 Daycare Nurseries

  • Age: ~6 months to 4 years

  • Focus: Play-based care and social development

  • Schedule: Full-day or part-time options

  • Ideal for: Working parents needing flexible hours


🌿 Learning-Focused Nurseries (Montessori, Forest School, etc.)

  • Age: Often from 2 months to 4 years

  • Focus: Exploration, independence, creativity

  • Approach: Philosophy-based (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest School)

  • Ideal for: Parents seeking child-led learning environments


🏫 Pre-Prep Nurseries (Linked to Private Schools)

  • Age: 2 or 3 up to 4 years

  • Focus: School readiness – early literacy, numeracy, and confidence

  • Often linked to independent or selective prep schools

  • Ideal for: Families considering the private school route





Understanding the School System

📚 State Primary Schools

  • Reception starts: September after 4th birthday

  • Application: Via local authority, typically October–January of the year before entry

  • Catchment areas: Important but not fixed — proximity often matters

  • Ideal for: Families seeking local, non-fee-paying education


✝️ Faith-Based State Schools

  • Follow the same state school timeline, but include extra admissions criteria

  • May require:

    • 2+ years of regular attendance at a place of worship

    • Baptism/christening certificates

    • Clergy references

  • Often oversubscribed — early engagement is key


🏫 Independent (Private) Schools

Privately funded and set their own admissions timelines, curriculum, and fees.


Non-Selective Schools

  • Admission often on a first-come, first-served basis

  • Early registration (even from birth) recommended — especially in London


Selective Schools

  • Entry assessments from age 3–4

  • Focus on:

    • Social and verbal skills

    • Listening and attention

    • Independence from parents

    • Emotional confidence

  • Highly competitive: up to 15 applicants per Reception place


🌍 Bilingual & International Schools

Ideal for globally mobile families or bilingual households.

  • Language immersion: E.g. English + French, Spanish, Mandarin

  • Curriculum: IB, American, or other international systems

  • Admission: Often based on calendar year age, not UK academic year

  • Strong focus on cultural awareness and global citizenship


Practical Tips for Expectant & New Parents

  1. Start early — Some nurseries and schools have long waitlists or early registration windows

  2. Be realistic — Think about your commute, work schedule, and values

  3. Visit in person — When you’re ready, book nursery or school visits to get a feel for the environment

  4. Know your options — Private, state, bilingual, or a mix — what aligns with your family life?

  5. Ask questions — Don’t be afraid to query class sizes, staff turnover, and pastoral care


Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing your child’s early education — every family’s values, lifestyle, and priorities are different. But having access to clear, trusted guidance makes the process much less overwhelming.

Whether you’re hoping for a Montessori nursery, a place at a top London prep school, or simply want the best local setting, understanding the landscape early on gives you more freedom, more confidence — and less stress later.


Looking for Personalised Guidance?

FOUR MAMAS partners with trusted educational experts like Edward Borton at ESB Consulting to help new families navigate the nursery and school admissions landscape with clarity and calm.


 
 
 

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