waiting times for nurseries

[gallicgirl]

I haven't approached nurseries yet and I'm only just beginning to look around and think about what we want.

I was wondering if it is typical to have to put my child on a waiting list for a nursery place and how long that wait might be? I'm aware that ratios for babies mean that most nurseries have less places available for children under 2 so I'm not sure how long I might have to wait. I'm thinking of going back to work when baby is around 9 months old but have no idea how soon I might have to make a decision about which nursery I want my baby to go to.

Thanks

It really depends - my excellent local children's centre nursery has a 12 month waiting list for under 2s.

Only way you'll know is to call your local nurseries and ask.

I was advised by a colleague to look asap, as she had had to come back to work Mon, Wed, Fri because they were the only days she could get, which was a bit hotch potch for everyone.

We looked when DS was about 3 weeks old, loved our local village nursery and booked him in a few days later. Over a year later, no regrets.

The important thing is to find somewhere you are happy with. I don't think you can book in too soon, but you could be too late.

You can get a list of registered child care providers in your area from your local authority Family Information Service - may also be called Children's and Young People Info Service, something along those lines.

Thanks. I meant to ask as well that would you worry that a nursery without a waiting list was maybe not very good?

I'll check out FIS and I know to check Ofsted reports and so on.

Vist some places and see how you feel too.

No waiting list could be several things -

• Taking on more staff/space to reduce waiting list
• Low birth rate in area for a particular year
• Parents being made redundant
• Another nursery or CM setting up nearby
• Nursery not very good!

Around here none of them had a waiting list, so don't let if put you off.

Depends where you are but in a good nursery expect to be on a waiting list for between 6 months and 1 year for under 2s.