UC but no nursery space.

[FloorSugar]

I am on Universal Credit and my son is due to turn 3 soon, so I'll be due to start work etc etc. My worry is that I have checked ALL the local nurseries and there is no space at all! How am I supposed to do this? Claim the childcare element etc etc. There is no one else who can look after my son. Will UC wait to push me into work until space comes up in nursery?

I'd have email correspondence from the nurseries and childminders stating that they are full and if possible that your child is on a wait list.
Thing is they can be quite difficult and might want you to look further afield but that would be difficult if you didn't know where you'd be working.

I think as long as you can reasonably show that you've explored all avenues. Also what group would you be in, it might not be a hard work search group and more of a preparing you for work group which would buy you some time.

Are you a single parent or do you have a partner?

Could you work further away and put dc in nursery further away? Not ideal, but might make it easier if you have no choice.

How long is it until he turns 3? Lots of areas childcare has long waiting lists, it’s usual to have to put your DC on the waiting list a year in advance.

I presume you've looked at local childminders too ? What about his funded hours, does he not have a Nursery for those either?

Also I thought on UC they start asking you to prepare for work when the child turns 2, so you've had a while to look.

Depends. If she has a partner who earns over the couple AET she should be in a light touch group without too much expectation to get a job.

Did you not have him down for any playgroup/ nursery when he turned 3? He’d get the 15 free hours even if you’re not working. Have you looked at playgroups?

Have you looked at school preschools? Childminders?

Round here you have to register before the child is born, that didn't help you tho, get on the waiting lists and hope someone's circumstances change I guess

You really should have had their name on a waiting list. Try local childminders? I wouldn’t think they’ll accept a plea of ‘no spaces’. It’s not as if you’re unaware of when your child turns three. Have you not been looking for a job ?

Your local authority will have lists of preschools and childminders in the area. Have you looked at school nurseries?

I had similar and I was really stressed. Literally no spaces except at one really horrible nursery where it would have broken my heart to send my v v sensitive ds. I also have some issues (autism) so was getting very stressed about it all and UC were really piling on huge pressure and threatening sanctions. In the end I claimed carers for a relative so they turned off my work commitments then a year later ds was diagnosed with ASD too so I could get carers for him. I won’t forget how unsupportive and unsympathetic UC were about it

Your child is entitled to 15 free hours childcare from the term after they turn 3 (and if you claim UC with a household income under a certain amount would have been from 2). It’s 30 free hours if you work a certain amount.

Have you contacted school nursery classes? A FT school nursery class place with a childminder may be your best bet.

This. Contact the council. Why leave it until the last minute??

I don’t understand why you didn’t have any plan for attending nursery at 3 regardless. Even just for the DfE early years funded education part.

You always have to apply for stuff in advance.

While looking for a job I would look at nurseries near to work but all depend on your situation of course. So many variables but as long as you show UC you're trying all you can do meanwhile. Good luck xx

Also to add unfortunately we have to organise places well in advance and be on a waiting list. In some areas they do it as soon as child is born, others don't have as much demand. Xx

Also to add unfortunately we have to organise places well in advance and be on a waiting list. In some areas they do it as soon as child is born, others don't have as much demand. Xx

Surely you put your childs name down on a waiting list ages ago? You knew he would need to start at 3. I know of no nurseries that have spaces immediately, its been like this for years, usually a 9-12 month waiting list.

So get him on a waiting list now ASAP, multiple lists if possible

Typically nurseries have spaces opening up in September (or just before) as the older ones go up to school - Get his name down and start job hunting for work starting then - many jobs can take weeks to get things like dbs in place

Do you live in an area with a very high demand? I’ve had both of mine of waiting lists since I was 20 weeks pregnant and they didn’t go until 1 year. That’s just how it is in some places.

Get a place on the waiting lists now. I did when I was pregnant and a space only opened up when he was 1 (thankfully just in time). Huge demand where I live.

I didn't know I would need to send him to nursery until very recently. I have had a series of family catastrophes and emergencies which have put me in this situation. I live in a rural area and don't drive (although am in town), but everywhere is full. Thank you those with constructive advice. :)

Given you don’t seem to know about how early years education works at 3, please do make sure you know when you need to apply for a reception place at school. Otherwise you’ll find yourself with a 4 year old and now reception places anywhere nearby.