How do you arrange childcare when you don't know when you'll start work and for how many hours?

[BusyMissIzzy]

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the Childminding topic. I'm planning to go back to work in March next year (when DD is 1yo), but before I got pregnant I was on a fixed-term contract. So I'll have to find another job when I want to go back, and ideally I'd like to go back part-time initially. I have no idea how long it will take to find something, and what the hours will be. So how do I sign DD up for nursery or childcare? I'm in London, so I think most of the popular nurseries have waiting lists. Are they willing to be flexible on start dates and hours?

I can't be the only one who's been in this situation. Any information or advice would be very welcome.

Hi, with our nursery we initially signed up for a full time place for our DS and then we changed it to a part time place once I knew which days I would be working. Think I just had to give them a months notice.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to go part time or not so I put ds on the waiting list for a full time place but said I was also interested in part time so I kept my options open! Ended up with 3 days a week as that's what I agreed with work.

Not to worry you but you do need to get on with it if you want a place for March - at ds' nursery (also in London) I put him on the waiting list at 2mo and was v lucky to get a place for him at 1yo, the waiting list is now 1-2yrs.

Also some nurseries (like ds') will only do consecutive days (e.g. mon/tues/wed) for part time places so check when you put your dd on the list so you know what to look for when you're applying for jobs.

We signed up for a part time place and then added the sessions in about 6 weeks before she started. Luckily the ones I wanted were available.

Hi. I am in a similar position; just interviewing at the moment but no idea when my start date will be and whether it'll be 3 or 4 days. Nearby nurseries (in London) are full until next September. One has a space for November but had to pay a deposit, which is non-refundable if you don't take the place.

I feel like it may be better to find a childminder or nanny once your start date and working schedule is confirmed; letting work know that you will need time to arrange childcare. My friend said you need about 4-8 weeks to get a nanny, for example.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I should start looking at options now, especially if nurseries may already be getting booked up!