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Yep totally normal. Best to apply while you're pregnant.
I’ve already enrolled my daughter to start next year, I’m due in Feb x
Yes! No harm in securing spots early, much better to have the peace of mind you’ve got a spot, rather than the panic of not being able to find one in time later on! I’ve booked both my boys in whilst I’ve been pregnant with them.
We called a couple of months ago for a show around (thinking i was being stupidly early) and they said their next availability was august 25 which is when ill be going back so its a good job i did 😂
Yes booked last spot in ours 2 months ago 🫣
Waiting lists are crazy so deffo start looking now 🥰 booked my son in for sept 2025 and he’s due Jan. When I was looking for my daughter most places were 1-2 years waiting lists 🙈
Thanks everyone! I will look into it ASAP 😊
Hi all, do you not need a code to secure these places? I’m really confused! (First time mum🫣) thank you x
@Olivia I think there are 4 windows in the year that you can apply for a code via the GOV website. I'm also a first time mum and it's a lot to take in isn't it 😭
I applied for my son’s nursery when pregnant with him and they take them from 2 at that one. Definitely worth applying early
I think there's a new legislation coming in September 2025 where you can register children 9 months and older for 30 hours of free childcare if you're a working parent. Im not sure when I can apply for that code.
The code has nothing to do with securing nursery places. Though you may want to ask how they use the funded hours as it can vary. You can’t apply for it until the term before your child becomes eligible, so as your babies aren’t even here yet you don’t have to worry for a long time!
@Alice get your nursery place confirmed first. You can apply for the code separately closer to the time.
Thankyou so much!
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Yes definitely get on a list. First child I didn't go on lists until he was born.. big mistake. My second who I'm pregnant with now has been on a list since I found out I was pregnant in June 😂😂xx
I called the nursery that works location and ticks all the boxes online and by local review. I'm due February, they told me to call them in April as I wanted to start ours for the January 2026 term when they will qualify for the 15 hours
@Rebecca it will be 30 hours free childcare then x
Yes! I had to book my sons place at nursery while I was pregnant 🤦🏼♀️😢 You don’t want to end up with a nursery you don’t want as they’re the only one with space
When I told my sons nursery I was pregnant, first thing they said was to add name to the list for a place as they already had started taking names down. I’ve done it to start in Jan 2026 aligned with when she’ll get the free hours. The free hours don’t start till the term after they turn 9 months, so you apply Oct-Dec for Feb babies for a code and then the hours start from January. Obvs you can start whenever you want but only get the tax free childcare discount not the free hours.
Yeah Ive been having this struggle - thought I was looking too early but the first few I asked were already booked up! This week Ive been getting added to waiting lists for as many reputable childminders as poss! X
Yes! It is worth securing a place as early as possible, especially now there’s funded hours as more parents have the opportunity to work. My bump already has a place confirmed ready to start childcare in Feb 2026.
How long have people spent on a visit/tour normally? I don't have much AL left before mat leave, so ideally would need to visit a few in a day
@Abby It rarely takes long, maybe 20 mins max? Half an hour start to finish? Just know your set questions in advance and then trust your gut with decisions
I’ve already booked my son in to start Sept 2025 (due in Feb) x