nursery waiting list dilemma

[juliawhoolia]

Pregnant with baby 2, previous child has been in our preferred nursery for 3 years.
I need a place from June 2028 and thought I was really organised emailing super early but I've been advised theres no availability until September 28!!
The problem is, its the only decent nursery within a 5 mile radius. We have no family or friends to help us, has anyone else been in this position and has any advice? We are on the wait list and I know June 28 is a long way away.

One of the things I learnt when I put my DD on the nursery waiting list is that some parents will reserve places at several nurseries and pick the one they want nearer the time.
So get another nursery at the ready just in case and ask your nursery to confirm if a place becomes available. But you may have to start planning that you will have to use another nursery I'm afraid.
I had no idea it was such strong competition when I was pregnant and I rang around nurseries when I was 4 months pregnant and my first two choices were full and so was their waiting list, it's really crazy!

Some people will inevitably take up spaces elsewhere.

Can you be flexible with the days that you want? If so, make the nursery aware that you would take up a place with a different pattern, or for fewer days to then increase in September.

Is unpaid leave an option at your work/have you factored in all of your annual leave, could that be used to bridge the gap?