Finding Childcare

[Joannezipan]

I'm currently 28 weeks along with our first child and even though i'm not even off on maternity leave yet I have been advised to look for childcare for when I go back to work. I started looking and now i'm having a bit of a panic about it. I'm planning on going back to work in Jan/Feb 2011 full time, but all the nurseries I have contacted so far (most of the ones near where I live and work) say they have huge waiting lists and all their places are taken in September. Bummer! So I emailed a lot of child minders and only had one reply form about 12 people. I met this lady today, but it didn't feel right to me, but i'm beginning to feel like i have no option but to go with her. I don't know what to do...do i have time? Will there be other options or is it hopeless?

hi
this happened to us
friend said she'd booked place at 20 weeks for baby when its 1 year old
I smugly said there are loads of places near us, so didnt anticpate any probs

We did get in the one we liked, but booking v v early we got last baby space. I was stunned. they are currently full to Aug 2012

That said my friend lives v close by and only just booked hers for this august - still found somewhere lovely
Best thing to do is to get ofstead list of internet & work your way through them
consider those on journey to work too, not just by your house - this will actually save you some time
Go and then have a look at them asap, and expect to pay small deposit (ours was £50) to secure spot
Hope you get somewhere youre happy with, I'm sure you will
x