How early do you sign your toddler up for nursery?

[snoopypoodle]

First time mum of 2 yo DS and I'm clueless!

We do not use nursery ATM as too expensive + we have help from PILs with baby sitting when needed (I only work PT).

However we are planning of making use of the free hours we get when DS turns 3 next year. I think we can qualify for 30h but not sure yet.

Anyway a friend of mine has recently asked if we have registered DS yet and seemed shocked when I said no, (didn't even cross my mind yet tbh) she said I need to do it soon if I want to get a place.
It's gotten me in a bit of a panic, we live in a small village with just 1 sought after primary school and nursery.
DS wouldn't be due to start nursery until next September (2018) so should I already be making inquiries about getting him a place or is it too early?

Just give them a call and ask. It may say on their website but it's easier to call as each place will have its own rules dependant on intake etc

We're in Scotland so might be different but we registered in January for August 2017 start.

I signed my second child up for our chosen (private) nursery when I was 12 weeks pregnant with him! They had a very long waiting list and I needed childcare when he was 1 yr old. But, each nursery or pre-school will have different length waiting lists or none at all, so best to contact each one and ask.