When should I start looking for a nursery?
Most parents should start 6–12 months ahead — but almost nobody knows that. Tell us when you need childcare to start and we'll build your personalised timeline: when to tour, when to join waiting lists, and when to sort funded hours.
Common questions
When should I start looking for a nursery?
Most families should start 6–12 months before they need a place. Popular nurseries — especially Outstanding-rated ones — keep waiting lists, and applying early gives you the best choice of days and sessions.
How long are nursery waiting lists?
It varies by area and setting, but sought-after nurseries can have waiting lists of several months to over a year. Joining lists early, sometimes with a small deposit, improves your chances.
When do I apply for funded childcare hours?
Government-funded 15/30 hours for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds need a code that can take a few weeks to come through, so apply the term before you want the funding to start.