Advice about how it all works with nurseries. London.

[Eifos21]

Hello,

I am only 5 months pregnant but already thinking about what to do when I go back to work after having the baby.

I am sooooooo confused to be honest. :(
Being from Denmark I am struggling to get my head around the English system. Nurseries seems so very expensive and I am unsure how we will be able to afford it. Been a bit of a shock as there is a lot more help to be had in Denmark.
Have heard of childcare vouchers but with things having changed in April (?) I don't understand how much help we will get exactly.
Also, when should you apply for places and how do you know which ones are more expensive etc? Do you have to contact each one or is there a side where you can see things like that? Looking at other forums it sounds like you need to apply now, while pregnant to get a space at a good place in Stoke Newington but that seems to crazy as I have no idea what is going to happen in the next year.

Any help would really be appreciated.

Hello try this government website for advice on childcare: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Childcare/index.htm

Your local authority should also be able to provide you with general advice and a list of nurseries in your area. When your child is 3 I believe you can get 15 hours of 'free' care at nursery school a week.

Your work should have information on childcare vouchers and provide you with details of the scheme including the childcare voucher company detail. You can ring them to find out how much you can claim each month (each parent can claim).

The HMRC will also be able to answer questions about child tax benefits etc but you can also probably find out some info on the HMRC website or the Direct.gov.uk site about the changes.

Basically it is very expensive and imagine you do not get as much help as you would get in Denmark.

My advice about when to look is to start looking now. You will be too busy and want to focus on your baby when your baby is here. Then time will fly and it will be harder for you to secure a place. I have two months left until I return to work and still sorting out my care. It's possible but you just have less choice and more stress!

I would start by looking up all the possible choices for you and get a list of nurseries in your area. Research their Ofsted reports (www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Inspection-reports/)and generally try and find out through personal recommendations or mumsnet and other online forums/reviews feedback on the nurseries. Visit a few and then put your name down. I imagine nursery hours, location and price will all be factors in your decision.
Nurseries usually charge a non refundable fee (50 pounds) to be on the waiting list. But you have plenty of time to visit them, revisit and research to narrow down your choices so you can only be on one or two wait lists.

Note also there are day nurseries which take babies from a young age and nursery school here which are for children who are a bit older ie. 3 years and up. They are more like pre-school.

There are also childminders or you could nanny share with another family. I'm sure Mumsnet has a lot of information about each and your local authority should also have information for you.

Good luck with the search!

Thank you for your help SFMc.
And the search begins:)