Did you pick ....

[Nikki76]

The nursery first and then requested work hours around the nursery, or found out what hours work were offering, then looked for a nursery? I found the nursery first as felt it needed to be one we were totally happy with, not just one that could fit around work, but now work are giving me grief about the hours I want to work, am wondering if I did the right thing so thought I would ask mumnet for some validation!!

It's tricky. I decided the days I would work and then chose the childminder. But the care was the priority if minder couldn't have done those days I'd have changed work days. Have you thought of looking at a childminder? I wouldn't go for a second best nursery but that's just my experience and it depends how good they are and if they fit with your expectations.

You need to pick childcare after you know what hours you are working. Unless you book it provisionally based on your existing hours in the hope you may be granted the hours you actually want. Nursery may not be happy with that either as they have to plan months ahead for available places and you may be taking up a place that someone else needs only to find you don't after all.