When to book a nursery place: Expert tips and advice

Choosing the right nursery for your child is an exciting milestone for any family. With so many fantastic options available, it’s natural to wonder when the best time is to secure your place. At Grandir UK, we understand that the start of this journey can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to guide families through the process with some practical advice.

Why early planning matters – finding the right nursery for your child

Popular day nurseries and preschools can reach full capacity quickly, particularly in high-demand areas such as city centres or locations with few local nurseries. They also tend to operate on a first-come, first-served basis. We strongly recommend that families book a nursery place six to twelve months in advance, as this provides parents with a safety net and allows more time to explore the different nursery settings available.

Planning ahead helps ensure that your child can attend their preferred nursery, secure funded childcare hours, and take part in settling-in sessions at the setting that best suits their needs.

When to start looking

Some parents begin researching childcare options before their baby is born, while others start when their child is just a few months old. Both approaches are valid, and it’s worth remembering that it’s never too late to contact nurseries; many try to accommodate families even if spaces are limited.

Here’s an ideal timeline for families to consider:

• During pregnancy or soon after birth: Start researching potential nurseries in your local area. Use the search function on nursery websites, and send enquiries to your favourites. Request brochures and information about tours and open days.
• 6–12 months before your desired start date: Book nursery visits to explore the environment, facilities, and nutritious meals offered. Check nursery waiting lists and attend open days where available.
• 3–6 months before your start date: Confirm your child’s sessions, book settling-in sessions, and ensure all paperwork for funded childcare hours, including Tax-Free childcare and other childcare costs, is in place.

Grandir UK offers a range of nursery open days starting next February. book your space today, meet our friendly teams and discover what makes our nurseries so special!

Expert tips for securing your nursery place

1. Send enquiries early: Even if you’re unsure about your exact dates, contacting nurseries demonstrates interest and can help secure a place on waiting lists.
2. Book tours and open days: Visiting the nursery allows you to see how children spend their day, evaluate the facilities and meet the staff who will support your child. Many nurseries also offer virtual tours or recorded videos if visiting in person is difficult.
3. It’s worthwhile keeping regular contact: For nurseries with long waiting lists, staying in touch can make a difference. It also gives you the opportunity to ask about available spaces or upcoming sessions for your child.
4. Be flexible: Consider multiple nursery options or different types of settings. Having a good safety net can help working parents manage schedules more effectively.

Reassurance for families

It’s normal to feel stressed about securing the same nursery your child visits but remember: few nurseries stay fully booked all year. Even if your child is older or just entering the new age group, many nurseries will try to accommodate families wherever possible. Sending enquiries early and visiting potential nurseries can make the process much less stressful, helping you find the right setting for your child sooner..

Next steps

All Grandir UK nurseries offer family visits throughout the year, giving families the opportunity to explore our welcoming and nurturing environments, meet our dedicated and friendly teams and get a true feel for daily life in our settings.

We’d love to show you how we support children to learn, grow and thrive until school age and beyond. Book a visit today and take the first step in your childcare journey with confidence.

If you have any other questions, please contact our Parent Engagement team, who will be happy to help.