To not send my child to nursery at all?

[Nilin]

Our childcare is currently covered by DH and I both working part time, plus grandparents.
We had intended to send our DC to nursery in January 2025, at age 3, for 2-3 days a week.
We have been trying since January to find her a nursery place thinking a year's notice would be enough- we were very wrong!
A lot of nurseries reported no places until 2026, only taking full-time, etc etc.
There are about 8 nurseries within a 30 minute walking distance and they are all a no, so had to widen search to one we could drive to.
We have had just one offer us a viewing- it's hard though as obviously I feel obliged to take it as we don't have another choice! It's going to be really awkward though when we work from home and commute by public transport when we do go in, to then get her in the car to get to nursery to then drive home and then head into work.
I did want DC to be able to socialise and make friends, but I'm now wondering if there would be any harm in just continuing our current arrangement until she goes to school? We go on lots of days out but we don't really meet up with children the same age. I could make more of an effort to attend a local playgroup regularly though so she is seeing the same people. I'm just keen to do right by her really.

@mightydolphin he is 4.5 years in September 2025 (or even 5), won’t he go to school then? I honestly feel a bit sorry for your DC. Going to clubs and being grandparents is not the same as pre-school or nursery and at his age he would probably really enjoy spending more time with other children. Plus I think it’s hugely beneficial before children start school. If you are England you also get funded hours now.

I'm sorry but that's really patronising. Feel sorry for their child? Why?

They do activities and see children there, they have quality time with involved grandparents. Sounds fine to me and I say that at someone whose child spends 2.5 days a week at nursery/pre school. His favourite day is the day he's with my parents.

Yes, sorry, I meant this September. I've got September 2025 on the brain re school research at the moment!

My DS is a very happy and social boy. I'm fully aware that he is entitled to funded hours but I decided not to take them up until September. He does not seem any different to his nursery/pre-school peers that we meet throughout the week.

I think we are both very lucky to have had lots of time together in his early years. I hit pause on my career for this time together. My DS is a very confident, self-assured boy and I feel so proud of him.