When to Choose and Apply for Childcare

Creche

0 to 5 years

Discuss with the manager as early as possible When you are looking at booking a course or studying.

Any age depending on the length of waiting lists they run and the places available.

Check the age range that they care for, not all creches take babies.

Registered Childminder

Baby or Pre-school child

10 to 12 weeks before you want the care to start

Any age

Allow for a settling in period

Registered Childminder

Baby under 2 years

You can look on the "School pick up list" up to 6 months in advance

Any age

A childminder may know of a space becoming available in the future due to an older child changing schools.

Registered Day Nursery

Baby under 2 years

As early as you can A lot parents put their name on a waiting list as soon as they know they are expecting a baby

There can be long waiting lists and new siblings of existing children may take priority on the list

Not all day nurseries are registered to take babies

Registered Day Nursery

Child aged 2 years plus

As early as you can.

Any age

There can be long waiting lists

Playgroups and Pre Schools

Two and a half or three years (depending on the age range the group is registered for)

When your child is about 12 to 15 months old.

12 to 18 months depending on their date of birth and their starting age.

Can the group accept Early Education Funding

You may not be offered 5 sessions initially and they may not be on your preferred days

Nursery classes / Nursery Schools

for older ages and dates please see the Schools Admissions Book- contact 020 8547 4610 or email for a copy)

Can usually take children from age 3

Depending on your child's date of birth approximately 18 months to 2 years although some people look much earlier

Check the Primary Schools Information Book for the application cut off date for that year, usually 1^st May, and your child's date of birth. Usually your child must be at least 2 for them to apply for a place

How well do you meet admission criteria for the school?

If you require a longer session of childcare, does the school offer it or can you arrange this with a childminder or out of school club?

Infant Primary and Junior Schools for older ages please see the Schools Admissions Book- as above

Take children from 4 or 5 years up to11 years

Depending on your child's age and the school you are considering, look in the year running up to your application

Check the Primary Schools Information Book for the application cut off date for that year, usually end of February, and your child's date of birth.

Check the entry criteria for each school and how closely you can meet them

Breakfast and after School Clubs

Most cater for full time school children aged 5 years plus but some take reception or nursery children from 3 or 4 years old.

As early as possible,

If childcare will be an issue for you, you may even prioritise schools that offer extended care themselves or are linked to an external provider.

Usually the term before you need the place to start, but as early as possible ask the leader about availability

Providers who collect from local schools will only service schools if there is a demand, it is worth asking

Holiday Playscheme

Most cater for 5 years plus but some cater for the younger age range

If you want to see the group in operation, look the holiday before you want the care to start. Some groups will not book places until 4 to 6 weeks before the start of the holiday.

As soon as the list is open for the relevant holiday.

Some groups get booked up very quickly, others do not have a maximum number of children so can expand, if staff are available

Independent Schools

Age range from 2 to 18 years

As early as possible depending on the entry ages for the schools you are considering

As advised by the school of your choice.

Ensure you know what the fees cover and any essential or optional extras

Are they members of any of the recognised independent schools organisations?

Private Nannies

From Birth upwards

As early as you can but a nanny who is looking for an immediate start may not want to wait until you need them. If you are advertising yourself allow for editorial timescales, interviews and reference checking

Nanny Agencies will advise you as to when they will register your vacancy on their books

Allow sufficient time to take up all references