Oh feck! have I left it too late?!!

[Nikki76]

Am due to go back to work end of May and ringing around nurseries etc and the waiting lists are sooooo long....am panicking like mad that won't get a place for DS before I go back to work....DH helpfully told me today that workmates recommended registering for nurseries while pregs but did I get told that?!!!

Is it too late??!!!

think it depends where you live. take a deep breath. put name down where possible without spending a packet. investigate childminders too.

I would also think about looking at childminders (because I am one!) You can find a list of registered minders at your local Childrens Information Centre here - there's nothing stopping you from ringing a few and having a chat.

If you definitely want a nursery, don't choose one just because it has a space!

Another vote for a childminder

Another vote for childminders. I work in the City (currently 29 wks prg) and people are telling me the City nurseries have year long waiting lists. Fark that. Having to put down a month's deposit for a place in a nursery that I might not use if I decide not to go back to work?

DD always had a childminder. Much more flexible apart from anything else.

Go for a childminder instead. We had 3 under 3 so a nanny who came here was cheaper, though. We did hire her and interview her and offer her the job before I gave birth.

Hmmm....something to think about..I wouldn't put DS in any nursery that has a place though, would rather give up work completely than do that as not his fault I didn't start looking earlier is. Have been looking at Ofsted reports for different nurseries etc...two that have been recommended to DH by workmates, had staff checks flagged up on their Ofsted in 1999.....part of me is like well that was 1999 and if its been flagged up then they HAD to improve it but still.... what would other MNetters be thinking?

1999 was in the last century, so I wouldn't be too worried about that!

If they were nurseries that had vacancies, then it might be worth asking about what they did about their problems.

Ofsted reports can be looked at, but don't always give an accurate idea of what a setting is really like - I don't know about nurseries, but assume that Ofsted can be as picky with them as they can be with childminders. Individual minders can be angels with regard to care of children, but may not be up-to-scratch with paperwork requirements, so get a slapped wrist (and get downgraded).

Make some visits, ask questions (and then read the reports!)

We saw one nursery which was well rated by ofsted but was failing when we saw it. completely agency staffed, for a start. You should visit and ask about specific nurseries here and on local parents websites, if you don't know any local parents yet.

Would you consider a childminder? It's about the right time to start looking around for one of them I think. I have used two childminders and been very happy with them both.

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