I don't think that there is any 'perfect time' when you have young children to do a nursing degree. I started mine in 2006 when DS1 was 6 and DS3 was 3. Im not going to lie and say it was 'easy' to juggle everything - however I knew that it was what I wanted to do so I had to make it work.
Each University is different and will have to have different timetables- The NMC expects that you do 4,600 hours 'training' over the three years and that is split 50/50 between University and clinical placements.
i was really fortunate to have had fantastic mentors who understood my predicament when it came to needing to be in a certain place at a certain time for my children- however not all mentors are like this. I was told by one that the reason she was so flexible with me was because i worked hard when working with her so she knew i wasn't a slacker.
When you qualify you won't really be able to demand a certain pattern of working so if you need to be at the school gate every day for 3.30 then its not the right career for you.
I was certainly able to pick my DS1 up from school at least twice a week (when in uni) and could take him most days (this obviously depends how far away from uni you live and how you travel in)
when on Placement on inpatients I also found time to school run as I would be working certain shifts- the only time that was hard was on Community placements as this would mean working 9-5 so I couldn't collect from school (but had good childcare set up for after school). When not on placement I think we would be in for about 4 days a week - may be 5 but they were never 'full days'- lectures would start at 10am and we would be done by 3pm if it was a 'full day. some days we would be over by 1pm- but each university is different.
Im a ward manager now and I do the same with the students on my ward- I always ask if they have other commitments and try to be flexible- there is no point demanding that someone do certain hours if this is going to create problems at home potentially meaning we lose a fantastic student nurse/future nurse. The NHS promotes a 'work/life' balance so I try to be as reasonable as possible.
You should contact your intended university and ask if they have a timetable for this years cohort. They very rarely change the programme so its likely to be the same when you apply.
Our Placements were in 'blocks' of six weeks - in my first year i think I recall us being in university from Sept- Nov. Then on Placement from mid nov to christmas (half term). Back into University for 6 weeks in january- out on placement mid feb for 6 weeks - then back in uni for 6 weeks.
Im also a mental health nurse- its the best job in the world. You should go for it. If you have any questions just ask!