When to think about day care?

[MrsJ]

Hi!
Hope this is ok to post.
I'm 26 years old and due in February and currently work full time. I will be needing to go back to work at least part time after the baby is here amd plan to do so when baby's around 6 months old.

However I was wondering how far in advance do you need to start looking at nurseries?

Thanks for any help in advance and nice to meet you all!

I would say as soon as possible (start looking now !) as in my experience the best nurserys and child minders fill up quickly and often have long waiting lists. Look round as many as possible and then put your name down for the ones you are interested in - with both of the nurseys I liked I had to pay to be put on the waiting list (although this is not always the case - depends on your area). I would also say don't always rely on recommendations as parents often have very different requirements - my friend loved one nursery whilst I hated it and vica versa. Just by walking in and looking around at the children and their environment you will often know if it will be right for your child. Good luck

I waited until I had ds before sorting it out. Unfortunately I was very emotional with a newborn and had a habit of bursting into tears in childminders houses, which was very embarrasing.
By the time I fell preg with dd ds was in a nursery. The places filled up pretty quick so I put her name down fairly early in the pregnancy.

Forgort to say welcome Mrs J and nice to meet you too ! Hope your pregnancy is going well....

When do you start looking for nurseries ?

Answer = NOW !

Especially if you live London and surrounding counties .

Also they can be expensive . You could get you name down on a waiting list but in the meantime still seek out other options , eg childminder, nanny etc

Oh forgot to say - Hello Mrs J

Hello! And thank you for all the responses! you've all been really helpful.
I've started making a list of local nurseries, do you just call and make an appointment to look round? Then follow your instincts I guess!
Feels strange that baby isnt even born yet and i'm looking for somewhere to leave her! hormones I guess making me feel bad
Pregnancy going great so far, still can't believe it in a way, feel very lucky!
Thanks again everyone!

Yes I just called up the ones I wanted to look at and made an appointment - some have open days but I prefer to see the day to day goings on to get a better picture. I know it seems crazy this early but a lot of mine locally had waiting lists of up to a year - those which had space immediately it was usually clear why this was the case !

They are also inspected by OFSTED so have a look at its website.

I'm also due in Feb and have already contacted the Children Information Services in my area and surrounding boroughs but haven't actually called any nurseries or childminders yet.

I'm not going back to work but going to uni in sep but might have my mum or partner's mum to help out.

Also my housing situation is quite temporary so don't really know where I'm going to be come Feb

My husband will be still working full time and we live away from family only an hour or so away but it still wouldnt be a practical solution for a regular basis! Wish it could be though! Theres two very excited grand mothers that would love the job i'm sure!

Thanks again everyone

OFSTED web site Ofsted

Child information service CIS

Just a point to note - a good nursery should encourage you to make an initial visit whenever you want - in other words they would say - oh just come down anytime (expect lunchtime obviousl!) as you will see them in their natural state. If you have to make an appointment it gives them the opportunity to ensure that the staff are all doing the correct thing!

When you are ready to discuss arrrangements regarding your place then an appointment would be appropriate as you will need to see the manager.

Also beware that nurseries can promise you a place but when it comes to it, not have one available as someone else came along who fitted in better with the place they had available! If you don't have to pay, then having a place at two nurseries covers you! I know several people who this happened to - it is best to call every month or so to ensure your place is still available - some give priority to siblings!

Good luck!

Hi just wanted to say thanks again for all the advice!
Really valuable thank you, I have a list of a few local nurseries and i'm going to get started on my search ASAP!
I feel a lot less clueless now, however I know I have LOTS more to find out.
Thanks again x