Streetlife

Hi. Essentially children start primary school in the September before their 5th birthday. There are also nursery/preschool places which depending on the provider can be available for a few hours from the age of 2 or 3. All children aged 3-4 are entitled to 15 hours free nursery, which can either be at a state primary school (the year before they would start primary school, or from a private nursery/preschool, which give you a deduction on their fees for the government provision.

For schools you can either choose state school or pay to go to private school. State schools applications happen the year before school starts with offers given the April before they start. Places are usually given to those loving closest to the school, and some popular schools have very small catchment areas. Private schools run their own admission process, but generally you need to register the child as soon as possible for a place (usually a small fee (around £30-50). They then advise of offers of places up to a year in advance. To look for schools in your are try www.schoolsnet.com as a starting point. You can search both state & primary schools and it gives basic info on local schools including their OFSTED report grade (outstanding, good, satisfactory or poor). You can then look at the individual schools web site for further information. Local mums at playgroups are also good sources of information on what schools are around which are good ones. Good luck. Feel free to pm me if you want any further info.

We are facing a similar dilemma at the moment . Not being very familiar with the state school system and the school league tables , it is difficult to assess which schools are right for your child .

Wandsworth council publishes a state primary school booklet which you can use to figure out catchment areas and so on . However, this is a changing parameter and is updated every year.
http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/directory/4/schools_directory 

As a precaution, I have also registered my son in some of the private schools in the area. Most of these schools like Thomas, Eaton Manor, Bolignbroke Academy, Dolphin etc have nurseries that they run as well where the child can be admitted when he is 2-3 years old . Be aware though that registeration could mean that your child gets to the assessment stage but not neccessarily admission stage . Most private schools in the area carry assessments.

No idea about Chelsea schools , although one of the mums I met was going regularly to a catholic church in the area as a school is affiliated to them .

I hope this helps . I look forward to any other information that posters put on here .