Nursery placement nightmare

P.s sorry for the mistyping. Stress does that to me 😅

I’ve just been signed up to a nursery of my choice after chasing for around 6 weeks, I had two show around at different settings and both said they have a long waiting list going into 2025.
Coming from a childcare background I know how the new funding system works and how quick places will fill up. I would let them know that you’re concerned spaces aren’t going to be available when you need it and really keep pushing. I emailed and called multiple times a week over the 6 weeks until they finally offered me a place! (Probably just to stop me contacting them haha)
Keep pushing and hopefully it’ll pay off 😊

@Sophie thank you so much. I appreciate this.

I called 4 nurseries. I have secured a place at one. Another has an 80person wait list. Another isn't taking bookings until much nearer the time. It seems like locally my area is a bit of a nightmare. But if you can reserve a couple then there's only the loss of a booking fee. Most seem to request £100

I’m in the Bristol area (south) and have booked numerous show arounds, when are you looking for baby to start as I know most have around a year waiting list , you can sign up to move than one but you pay registration fees x

I’m also doing nursery viewings currently and they are very much busier because of the funding changes but they should still be offering viewings :) x

We signed up my first daughter to a couple (put on their waiting list) and they showed us around. She didn’t get a place at our first choice until a year and a half later. This baby is currently now on their waiting list again. We’ve been told they try and prioritise siblings. But it is a massive gamble as to whether they’ll have a place or not at the right time. The new funding has made a massive difference! I would sign up to different waiting lists so you have some options x

@Natasza So there is a possibility that even if you sign up that a space may still not be available? 😔 This is such a confusing and upsetting time. I just want to prepare for the birth, not finding a nursery place. Feels arse backwards

I think it depends on the nurseries policies :)

in Berkshire Oxfordshire you put a deposit down to secure the place. I've put my girl down for 4days. I was tempted for 3 but they said go for 4 and reduce it if you want to nearer the time to avoid missing out x

@Sophie I'm so limited as I do not have a car and I work in Southmead hospital. So travelling with baba and getting to work is my limitation right now. I need somewhere near my home. I am so depressed by all this. I would like to start early August or September.

you should be able to find something and work may be able to make a flexible working arrangement for you! I know I’m due in July and looking for Jan/ Feb next year and most are booked so I am reserving our space now. It’s due to the funding that is coming into place in September x

I’ve applied to go in waiting list for 3, only one of them which required a £50 deposit lets you visit beforehand the other 2 only once you’re offered a place.

yes but obviously it really depends on the popularity of the nursery. So I’d say get on the waiting list as soon as possible! X

Yes the nursery we are at don’t do show rounds until you’ve been offered a place or they do offer Saturday open days every 3-6 months. Same for my other top spot nursery that we looked at. I actually much prefer this as I can imagine how disruptive it is to a child’s day if there are parents coming into the nursery for a tour whilst there in attendance! For me that would be a positive sign :)! I also had to pay deposits for several just in case! You can apply to as many as you would like. My tip would be to keep reaching out every couple of months to check in once you’ve registered so your not forgotten. Some nurseries are easier to get into but I actually found that to be a red flag as I wanted one that had a great reputation and therefore inevitably it had a big waitlist and didn’t need to sell itself to us! It is stressful but you’ve got lots of time to get your place sorted so I wouldn’t over worry! Just go with the ones that feel right. Xx

@Faye Thank you so much and I will be def be looking in to child minders as well too to keep options open. X