help finding home and preschool

[karenfromlondon]

Hi all
I am new to this forum. My family (2 girls aged 3 years and a 10 month old) will be relocating from London to Singapore and I need some help with how to start finding a home to live and a preschool for my daughter who is turning 4 in May.
I dont know whether i should be looking for a school that will accept her first than trying to find a home nearby after, or a home which we like than looking for a school in the area after.
Am i correct that my daughter will be starting Kindergarten 1 if she is to start school in September 2014?

Thanks and your responses will be a great help

[TryingTBBMom]

Welcome. I will try my best to share as much info as I know.
Your Daughter would be eligible for PreK or ECE4. You should have or straight away start applying for International School. My best advice is that you visit the websites and short list a few. You should also do a visit to really understand what each school has to offer. There are varying options on the UK system. Believe or not, although Singapore has many options, space at the bigger schools and some small goes very fast. Most of the schools will not tell you whether they have space or not and the application fees usually are not refundable. Most schools bus so you do not have to live within walking distance unless you choose. If you are moving here on an Expat package be sure that ALL school fees and multiple application fees are covered. So much about housing and school for most that take postings here is the package you are on. Consult with a relocations expert for singapore than do your own homework. There is often great debate on the forum about housing and schools, so you should weed through the postings. Please do not be put off by
some of the comments made. Singapore is lovely, There are options but I would advise you to get on to the schooling applications asap. You can choose from schools on UK, IB,Australian, American, curriculums. If you have any other queries and do hesitate to PM. Good Luck
Try to arrange for a look see asap and call schools your interested in for a tour.

[the lynx]

Most of the points are already addressed by TryingTBBMom. Just to add two points:

1. Although most schools provide buses, distance still plays a factor because if you live far, your child will be among the first to be picked up and last to be dropped off. If your child can endure long commute because of that, good, but I do know some children who can nap or chat with friends during that time.

2. If your husband is relocating on package, have the company assign a relocation agent at its own expense. That will save you from the headache in choosing which agent to go for.

[gvyong]

Hi karenfromlondon

I'm a parent of 3 kids whose ages are close and believe me it makes all the difference to live within walking distance to your preschool. Just the time saved everyday from daily commutes gives you so much breathing space to be able to deal with the incessant demands that multiples make!

Pls PM me if you'd like to hear more about my personal coping srategies.

[Hannieroo]

Find the school first then find a home within walking distance. It takes the pressure off but also socially you'll find yourself with a ready made group for after school swimming and trips to the park with the baby.