Need advice on nursery

[LH9]

Hi,i need some help and advice on nursery as I feel like I’m completely overwhelmed. My ds will be 2 in Nov and I’d quite like him to start nursery. Is that only possible in September now or are there nurseries that will take children anytime of year. Also where do I start with looking for a good nursery. Feeling defeated and overwhelmed any advice is welcome. Thanks

Don't worry! It is a minefield but you can break it down. Nurseries tend to take children all year round. By pre-school it can be a bit more fixed. Given it's already September, you might find there's a waiting list and November might not be possible, but you will only find out when you ask.

I found the easiest way was to initially remove all the options which were NOT suitable to then just focus on a shortlist:
-Do you need FT or term time only
-Have they got space when you need it on the days you need it
-What logistics do you need to consider e.g. proximity to work or school if you have another DC or plan another

Then I would have a look at the OFSTED reports and arrange to book viewings. When you look around try and look beyond how new or old any facilities are, as long as they are decent enough, and look at if the children and staff are happy. Are the staff sitting low down and engaged with the children at their level?

Once you have a couple of favourites, if you still can't decide, ask on local Facebook sites to find parents who already use them and pick their brains.

I would look on your district council's website. They should have a list of nurseries in your area, with links to all the Ofsted reports. I wouldn't take it for granted that pricing and availability is up to date, but that's your starting point.

What I wouldn't do is look online for whichever has a website and just go with that one. I would call the ones that are local and find out their fees and arrange viewings.

We have become unhappy with our current nursery for a variety of factors, the main being poor management in recent months, combined with a 20% increase in charges this year (20%?!!). Having looked around we've found two closer to home.

We viewed the first one and it was pretty poor - wouldn't have dreamed of sending her there. The second one is fab. It is literally just around the corner from us, and when you factor everything in, it is a third cheaper than the current nursery. I just didn't find them because they didn't have a website.

My son is 2 around the same time but won't go to nursery until at least 3. I am starting visits now however as good nurseries have that long a waiting list where we are.

The reason I say this is because it doesn't sound as if you are sending him because you have to but rather because you'd like to. In which case, you could take your time visiting local nurseries to find out which one you like. I would also make a list of questions based on your requirements to take with you. Check the Ofsted report, use word of mouth, look at websites, it all helps build a picture.