Nursery and school

Hey mums, I was just looking for some advice if anyone has been through similar or just knows more of this matter. So we moved to Spain when my daughter was nearly 3, we had this in plan for a while so I didn’t send her to nursery in uk, as school here starts at 3 years old till 6 so she would have plenty of time to get used to before school. Now it’s been a while we’re here and documents took longer than expected, and the registering of school. She would probably start in two weeks. However, we are thinking of moving back after the Christmas period or possibly even later than that. From what I know, from 4 years old (birthday in July) in September in uk she would start reception I believe? Now my worry is that she would find it so hard to adjust to reception straight away when she’s never been to such a setting or nursery. Starting her in Spain for a while and then moving there could give her some experience but at the same time maybe distress and confusion going back and starting something else completely different. Or if we are to move back as soon as after January, if I would be able to put her into nursery until the end of the year, I think it could also be beneficial before reception. I’m quite worried on this matter as things didn’t exactly go to plan. If anyone has any advice I would highly appreciate it. Thank you in advance ❤️

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I think I’m not sure It’s the term after she turns 5 so she turns 5 in July she’d go in the septemeber x

You need to apply when you’re back for a school place here, as our July baby’s are due to start in September 2025. Primary school applications close in January but you can speak to your local council when you’ve moved back about applying, places are allocated in April. If you don’t feel she’s ready for school when you’re back, then you can choose to delay or defer (many summer born children do this) and not accept your offer for starting in September. If you do want her to start school next September, or later that academic year (or even the next year to be fair), then I’d probably see if there’s any spaces at a nursery or preschool when you move back, to give her a bit of experience before starting school. That said, lots of children don’t go to any kind of preschool setting before school and do just fine, lots of it is down to their individual temperament.

@Leanne omg yes! That’s very reassuring. She could possibly start the next year to get her used to everything, at least I know it’s an option we have and not stress out. Thank you!!❤️

@Chloe thank you so much! That has reassured me immensely. Having these options I could consider not sending here in Spain for a few months only.. as it could all work out in uk and it’s just one change. So if I was to come back in January I would have to speak with council for spaces available in terms of her starting in September.. got it. Thank you soo much again!

Yes! I probably personally wouldn’t start preschool in Spain if you’re due to return so soon. And yes, as you will have past the application deadline and you also need documentation to prove your address etc which you may not get immediately having just moved back. So your local council would be the best place to start. You must apply for a space for 2025, even if you intend to start her after September, or even the next academic year entirely.

I appreciate it very much! Thanks a lot. You’ve given me a lot of insight. Just to clarify, so the only way to apply for me at that time will be directly at the local council right? And with them I will be able to apply for a 2025 space? Sorry hope I get it right!😅❤️

So they will likely either advise that you can apply straight away when you’re back and get an offer of a school in April, ready for September. Or, they may advise that you need to apply separately after offer day in April, directly to the schools that have remaining spaces- it will depend on how your local authority works and when you do in fact return to the UK. But yes, either of those will give you a space for September 2025, which you can do with what you wish depending on how your little one is getting on. ☺️

Amazing @Chloe thank you so so much!! This has reassured my mum heart lots😅❤️ appreciate it!!

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