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When to Choose and Apply for Childcare
When to Choose and Apply for Childcare
The sooner you start looking into childcare options, the more choice you will have, for local options and availability contact your local children’s information service.
Crèche for children up to 5 years old
When to start looking
Discuss with the manager as early as possible when you are looking at booking a course or studying.
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Any age depending on the length of waiting lists they run and the places available.
Things to consider
Check the age range that they care for, not all creches take babies.
Registered Childminder for babies or pre-school children
When to start looking
10 to 12 weeks before you want the care to start
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Any age
Things to consider
Allow for a settling in period
Registered Childminder for babies under 2 years
When to start looking
You can look on the "School pick up list" up to 6 months in advance
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Any age
Things to consider
A childminder may know of a space becoming available in the future due to an older child changing schools.
Registered Day Nursery - for babies under 2 years
When to start looking
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
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
There can be long waiting lists and new siblings of existing children may take priority on the list
Things to consider
Not all day nurseries are registered to take babies
Registered Day Nursery for children aged 2 years plus
When to start looking
As early as you can.
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Any age
Things to consider
There can be long waiting lists
Playgroups and Pre Schools – for children 2 and a half or 3 years (depending on the age range the group is registered for)
When to start looking
When your child is about 12 to 15 months old.
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
12 to 18 months depending on their date of birth and their starting age.
Things to consider
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 children aged 3 years plus
For older ages and dates please see the Schools Admissions Book- contact 020 8547 4610 or email for a copy.
When to start looking
Depending on your child's date of birth approximately 18 months to 2 years although some people look much earlier
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Check the Primary Schools Admissions Booklet for the application cut off date for that year, usually 1st May, and your child's date of birth. Usually your child must be at least 2 for them to apply for a place
Things to consider
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 children from 4 or 5 years up to11 years
For older ages please see the Schools Admissions Book- as above
When to start looking
Depending on your child's age and the school you are considering, look in the year running up to your application
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
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.
Things to consider
Check the entry criteria for each school and how closely you can meet them
Breakfast and after School Clubs for full time school children aged 5 years plus
Some clubs take reception or nursery children from 3 or 4 years old.
When to start looking
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.
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Usually the term before you need the place to start, but as early as possible ask the leader about availability
Things to consider
Providers who collect from local schools will only service schools if there is a demand, it is worth asking
Holiday Playscheme for children 5 years plus
Some Playschemes cater for a younger age range
When to start looking
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.
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
As soon as the list is open for the relevant holiday.
Things to consider
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 for children aged 2 to 18 years
When to start looking
As early as possible depending on the entry ages for the schools you are considering
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
As advised by the school of your choice.
Things to consider
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 for children from birth upwards
When to start looking
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
The age when a child's name should be on the waiting list
Nanny Agencies will advise you as to when they will register your vacancy on their books
Things to consider
Allow sufficient time to take up all references