Nursery spaces!
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I found my child minder when my baby was 1 months old and paid my deposit when he was 6 weeks old, signed all his paperwork the other day at almost 6 months and he starts next February. I was advised to do it early because everyone gets full up, more so nurseries than childminders.
I found mine when my baby was 3 months but with the funded hours the demand for spaces has shot up and it’s similar across the board. People have to now do it before baby is born
Went through the same thing. I called the nursery we picked out of interest when I was 10 weeks pregnant, to see what the waitlist was like, and was told the earliest was Sept’26, and there were over 200 kids on the waitlist. We needed it for April. So will see what happens. We did find another one which had a shorter waitlist but I’m not a fan of it. So I think we might end up with a childminder / nanny, at least for those few months
I emailed our nursery after our 12 week scan. My son already attends and therefore knew how busy they are. She said I took one of the last remaining spaces. It absolutely is madness! I think the funding for younger children coming in is the reason. Could you go with a nursery closer to your work place if you're commuting?
It’s really worrying! I live rurally and there are no childminders in our area and only 2 nurseries. I can’t really afford to take the extra time off work either 😫 I had no idea this would be such a worry before I even reach my 20 week scan!
It’s because of the funded places - the free childcare hrs have led to everyone registering early to guarantee a spot! With my first I didn’t register him until he was 3 months, and that was only last year around June. I’ve already had to register for our second when I was 17wks at our nursery’s advice.
My first child is nearly 17 months and i still can’t get him a place! Basically i would have had to have booked a space before conception! i ended up having to leave my job as couldn’t get a nursery. I’m now expecting Number 2 and trying to get a nursery place for both. Apparently September 2026 is when i can possibly get a space but it’s not confirmed yet!!! it’s insane!!!!
It is madness! It’s all well and good having funded hours but there are no spaces for those who need to return before those funded hours kick in 😫 so stressful!!
Wow this is definitely good to know, I’m currently 17 weeks and it’s not something I’ve given a thought yet but it sounds like I should
I almost missed out by registering at 3.5 months prego, it’s insane. Childminder perhaps instead?