Picking the correct school for your young child can be a difficult task. There are numerous factors to consider including convenience, quality and, of course, cost. Unfortunately the hallmarks of a good institution are not always as obvious as balloons and colourful colouring books, so your search will require some careful investigation and research.

To begin with, you should ask around your friends and family. Studies show that often the people closest to you will be able to recommend an establishment that suits your personality. Additionally, if you had a good school experience, you might like to consider sending your child to your alma mater.

If this is not feasible, for whatever reason, get on the internet and conduct a search of all the schools in your area. Browse their websites and take down contact details. Send out emails to every institution you think might be a possibility asking them to send you a prospectus to peruse.

Obviously, some schools are bound to fall outside of your price range. If any of these institutions meets all your other criteria, however, contact them anyway and ask about funding opportunities and bursaries.

Remember, you want to start your search for a school early. As soon as your child arrives you need to be on the lookout for a good establishment. Some of these have waiting lists of several years and it will help your child significantly if you can get his or her name onto one of them quickly.