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Original poster

Nursery doesn't start till 9am - how to get toddler there?

42 replies

crazychemist · 12/07/2018 18:51

Hi there,

We're hoping to start DD at nursery in September (my very lovely mum has looked after her on work days till now).

We've seen a few, but the one my DH liked (which is wonderful) doesn't do early starts, and finishes quite early too.

I thought someone might know what a workaround for this is? Presumably this is true of most schools, so how do families where both parents work manage? Are there childminders that are prepared to do drop-off, pick-up and a coupe of hours after? Or do childminders generally only do whole days?

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AJPTaylor · 13/07/2018 07:38

its the wrong nursery for you then!

Lindy2 · 13/07/2018 07:30

It may be tricky to get a childminder for drop offs and pick ups at a nursery. Childminders are generally only able to care for 3 preschool children at a time. Having 1 child of that age group just for a short time before and after nursery pretty much writes off one of those 3 places.
You may find someone who will do it but you may be asked to pay for more hours than you use.

BikeRunSki · 13/07/2018 07:22

Some nurseries will do you a term time only contract - this allows them to free up space for holiday clubs on the school holidays.

underneaththeash · 13/07/2018 07:15

If you ask at the pre-school they will should be able to give you the names of the childminders who currently drop off/pick up from there.

Schoolchoicesucks · 12/07/2018 20:46

We had this when dc's started at school nursery. Childminder did do wraparound but charged for whole day (as she couldn't find another mindee to fill her ratios for just those hours). So if your dc's nursery place isn't funded, you may be paying twice.

AveEldon · 12/07/2018 19:52

An alternative option would be to go for a childminder (only) and then aim for the free preschool hours once your child is old enough
You would probably need to pay a retainer during the holidays but that might make more sense for you

Original poster
crazychemist · 12/07/2018 19:46

Ah shucks, and it seemed so nice. It's a preschool more than a nursery, hence the shorter hours. One of the advantages is that it's term time only - we don't really want care for her during the holidays as we'll both be at home.

I think I'll have a bit more of a look for childminders that might do drop-off and pick-up, but try and be ready for disappointment!

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

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CottonSock · 12/07/2018 19:06

Find another that works. It's only for a year or two

eurochick · 12/07/2018 19:05

That nursery doesn't work for you, however lovely it seems. Find another or supplement with another form of childcare (childminder, etc).

PattiStanger · 12/07/2018 19:04

What kind of nursery is it? I've looked at quite a few over the years but never one that doesn't open until 9.

Tbh I would steer clear, you'd be making you life more difficult rather than easier

Kingsclerelass · 12/07/2018 19:04

My childminder looked after ds from 8 - 9, then dropped him off at nursery, then collected him- and charged me for the whole time because she was on call should he be ill, upset etc Smile

welshweasel · 12/07/2018 19:02

To be honest I’d just pick a nursery with better opening hours. Most round here open at 7.30. There ar childminders that just do before and after school care and you may find they would be happy to drop your child off at Nursery but it’s a lot to ask of your child, to start with two new childcare providers simultaneously.

PatchworkWellies · 12/07/2018 19:02

My son's childminder does drop off and pick up - my son is only 2 so he has a full day there but I do know it's a service she offers. Worth seeing if you can find one in your area who does IMO. I found our childminder by asking for recommendations on a local Facebook parent network

OddBoots · 12/07/2018 19:00

There are childminders that do drop off and pick up from pre-schools but there are fewer of them than there used to be so it is worth seeing if there is one available before you decide on that setting for certain.

AveEldon · 12/07/2018 18:57

Are you looking at a sessional care nursery / pre school?

Most daycare nurseries start much earlier

Some people will have an aupair

megletthesecond · 12/07/2018 18:56

Most nurseries start at 8am to accommodate working parents.
A 9am start sounds more like a pre-school.
Tbh I'd go for another option. It's going to be a faff using a childminder to drop off and pick up.

A lot of schools have breakfast clubs and after school club which covers 8-6.

Original poster
crazychemist · 12/07/2018 18:52

Should probably mention DH and I are both teachers, so no flexibility at all on our start time, we have to be at school before it starts so this will be a bit of a long term issue!

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