When to apply for nursery

[CountAdhemar]

Afternoon all, future new parent here.

After TTC, the Countess is P with our first, in her first trimester. She will take 1 year mat leave before returning to the workforce hopefully part time. Hopefully I will also work 4 days only.

When do you need to start applying to nurseries for Count(ess)Adhemar Jr? I realise I am early, but I hear there are long waiting lists, shortages for nursery places etc.

Any help much appreciated.

Count Adhemar

You're better off having a look around local nurseries and asking them. Some will have to be asap, others not so much.

It depends on your area. I'd start asking nurseries in your area that you are considering.

It depends entirely on your area but it wouldn't hurt at all to contact nurseries you're interested in asap to look round and put your name down.

I'd start contacting nurseries now. I was on waiting lists by the time I was 12 weeks but I did go back full time at 3 months so needed a full time space earlier.

Thank you for your input, gentlefolk of England!

Now. If the government funding for all babies over 9 months, places will be very hard to find. This is planned to start from Sept 2024

Hi SouthLondonMum22, you mentioned waiting lists (plural).

How many were you on, was that number typical and what was the reasoning behind this? Many thanks!

Count Adhemar

Literally which ever one has space first that you are happy with go for it

As others say, it depends on your area. We registered 8 months before the start date and luckily got the last available space in our preferred nursery.

For my eldest I sent in the nursery almost as soon as I peed on the stick. There is a very good ( oversubscribed) nursery where I work which I wanted him in. Also took a full year mat leave.

With my second I think I applied during my first trimester. I guess it depends how long waiting lists are

It's all going to depend a bit on this funding too. If it happens or not.

We're in SW and the nursery opposite us where we'd like to send our second
We have 1 day from OCT 2024 and the other 4 days from JAN 2025 !! (Due date is oct 2023)

I'd call as soon as and if the lists aren't that long then no biggie - but if they are you can get on the wait list asap :)

We went with 2 waiting lists, one first choice and one we'd be happy with as a backup option. We did end up getting our first choice option but it felt sensible to have a backup option.

Also ask if they can fit you in if you're a bit more flexible with the days you want etc. Certain days are far more popular than others.