Childcare

[SunSparkle]

Hi,

Clueless FTM here. When do you arrange a nursery place if you're planning on going back to work when your baby is 9-12 months? Do you visit nurseries while you're pregnant? What did you all do?

I’m 25 weeks and my family own a nursery so luckily she will just be coming to work with me. However, I would advise you enquire with nurseries sooner rather than later. Spaces in some areas fill up VERY quickly. Some places are doing show arounds while the nursery is closed to reduce risk to the children and others have virtual tours so hopefully you’ll be able to get some information

It completely depends on your area. We got lucky that we managed to get toddler DD in at our chosen nursery on our preferred days when she was 3 months old (ready to start when she was 11 months).

My friend who wanted a city centre nursery was put on a waiting list for hers to go when he was 9 months and she registered for a place shortly after her 12 week scan

Totally depends on your area and the particular nursery. I'm in London and the more fancy expensive nurseries in my area have long lists and you need to pay a deposit to go on the list 6-12 months in advance. However I just wanted what I would call a "standard" nursery and there was no waiting list, I saw it about 4 months before DD needed to start and it was no problem.

I didn't want to visit while pregnant as I didn't know whether I wanted childminder or nursery at that stage or how long my mat leave would be.

I'm 29 weeks and I'm currently on 2 waitlists to enroll my daughter when she'll be 9 months. I figured it was better to be early. I got all the info I needed via email and we have viewings for them planned over the next few weeks.

Normally it’s when you get the 20 week scan result. But I have no idea about now. People I know who have children in nurseries are not getting back their normal hours. Say 3 days now getting 1 day. On the other hand, childminders might have more spaces? Mine is saying she may not be able to have my children back for after school because of the crossing bubble restrictions from D of E.

I looked round nurseries when my dd was about 6 months. Tbh I think if I’d looked round when pregnant I wouldn’t have made the right decision. I didn’t realise until I had my baby in my arms how precious I’d be about who looked after her. But of course as pps have said it hugely depends on the area.

I am 25 weeks and getting on the waiting list now, aiming to start at 12 months.

This is an interesting thread and something I haven’t really thought much about. I assumed this was something I should do after the baby is born but I guess not. Parental leave will be 18 months so that does give me a little longer but I know childcare is competitive in this area so I should probably start looking into this. I’m 24+4 right now.

We had pretty much decided which nursery worked for us whilst pregnant, but didnt contact them or go for a look round til DD was 4 months old. It will depend on the size of the nursery you choose/how popular it is, etc.

I’m glad I asked now! Definitely going to be making some more enquiries early on as I’ve got an eye on two nurseries and I’m new to the area so no idea how competitive they are for places.

I took ds to see various childminders and nurseries about four months before I returned to work.
Had a couple of visits, chose one and signed contract with 8 weeks to go (not London).
Then I was fired first morning back and was thankful that contract included a 4 week period during which I could cancel at no penalty.
Make sure you have that option.

I went to look at nurseries about 6 months before DS was due to start and they had ample space. We live in an area with lots of provision it would seem!

I live rurally and there is 1 very popular nursery locally - my child went on the waiting list when I was about 5mths pregnant and (even with a sibling already there), got a place when baby was 9mths old. My friend went on the list at the same time (without sibling attending) and her child was offered a place 2mths later than mine.
I’d say get on the list sooner rather than later!

Agree with this about nurseries

If you want a childminder they don't tend to operate long waiting lists

Definitely depends on the area. There are 4 nurseries near me all rated outstanding and all have amazing reviews...all 4 had availability for my daughter to start 3 weeks later (although she is only in one day a week). I did ask about putting her in an additional day though and they had availability from the next week.