We know that a brilliant education is one of the best gifts we can give our children. As parents we thought carefully about all the options, take time to think through and try not to get too worried by the hype. Yes, there are some London pre-schools and prep schools where you need to get your name down before leaving the hospital. However, London has by its nature a significant transient population and so school places do come up. But do not worry, there are also lots of other brilliant schools and with the right research and time you can be sure your little one is in the right place.
Pre-school
Just getting your head around the terminology can be the first challenge for many new parents especially if you are not from the UK.
Pre-school or sometimes called nursery school starts at around 2 1/2 years of age and runs until "school age" usually 4 years. It is not compulsory that children attend a pre-school. Some parents prefer to have their child stay at home until they reach school age. Most day care nurseries will automatically transition children to their pre-school environment when they reach the appropriate age.
Puffins: A little Fulham secret, close to South Park, this small privately owned pre-school offered a wonderful nuturing environment and experienced staff. Starts from 2 1/2 years of age, term times only and no website, contact Headteacher Fiona Talbot-Smith for enquiries on 02077364442.
Zebedees: A highly regarded nursery in the heart of Parsons Green just by Waitrose. They start from 2 years of age and offer short sessions full details on applying on website here.
Pippa Poppins: This option has 2 locations in Parsons Green. They offer the options of half or full days and starts from 12 months of age. Information on applying is all on their website here.
L'ecole des petits: This is a small school just off Wandsworth Bridge Road
State funded nursery places: There are also state funded places available for children usually at 3 or 4 years of age, more information on the state schools offering this and how to apply is available from the council here.
You don't need to spend long in Fulham to realise there are lots of young families. So pre-school places can be at a premium and it is worth putting your little ones name down at your first choice as soon as possible.
Private Pre-Prep and Prep Schools
Fulham Prep School: Popular non-selective local school, mixed boys and girls, 5 reception classes. Also attractive option of now offering possibility of schooling up to 18 years of age.
Sinclair House School: Small school with only one class per year, offers lots of personal attention and family atmosphere. Non-selective and has great inclusive before and after school clubs.
Parsons Green Prep School: Previously known as Eridge House, popular school, only 2 class entry at reception, mixed school popular with local families.
Kensington Prep School: Selective girls' school on Fulham Road for age 4 to 11 years, they have a competitive entry process so definitely worth having a "back-up plan".
Thomas' School: Selective school for boys and girls, the local Fulham school is very popular and early registration is recommended.
Further afield there are many fabulous schools in Chelsea and Wandsworth which are also very popular with Fulham families: Garden House, Hill House School, Queens Gate School, Putney School for Girls.
Pre-Prep and Prep School
In the UK formal schooling usually starts from from 4 years of age. So your child will start school in the September after your child's 4th birthday.
Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision. It is great to get feedback from friends but really the best way is to check out them yourselves. Check out some of the questions below which will help you get a feel for the differences between the schools. Speaking to families and older pupils will also help.
When does homework start? And how much?
How much sport do the children take part in? Do children go swimming?
What are the options for before and after-school clubs and activities? (Especially important for working parents) Think sports clubs, music lessons, additional languages.
Are children grouped or streamed academically?
Are specialist teachers used for subjects?
What future schools do children go to? How are they helped to prepare for entrance examinations?
How do teachers feedback to parents on progress or problems?
Most schools will hold an Open Day in Autumn and Spring which can be very helpful. The first step is usually to speak with the admissions officer and arrange a visit and talk through their application process. Some schools will offer places on a first-come first-served basis. Other school will list children and then invite children to sit an assessment in the year before entry to select children. If you are thinking of one of the selective schools it is also well worth having a non-selective school as a back-up plan. Putting your trust in the temperament of a 3 year old is a little risky.
State school places are applied for through the local council, applications are usually made in January and places offered in the April before that year's September entry. The full details on the process are available here. Many schools will have different criteria such as religious commitment or distance of home from school. The council produce a very informative booklet which will give you all the info and also shows how the places were allocated last year which can help give you an idea of whether your child will get a place in your preferred school.
Funding
For nursery or pre-school age children some state funded school nurseries will offer places completely free of charge. The government also offers between 15 and 30 hours hours "free" early education for 3 and 4 year olds, criteria and application info is here. Some private nurseries will use the funding to offer a discount on their fees.
State funded school places in the UK are available for most children free of charge. Private or independent fee-paying schools are sometimes confusingly referred to as "public" schools. Fees for these schools start from around £15,000 per year in London.
Many working parents can also claim "tax-free childcare" which can sometimes be used for after school or holiday childcare.
