Applying for your child’s early nursery placement can feel like a big step, especially if this is your first time choosing a childcare setting. With different nurseries, routines, fees, funding options and availability to think about, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin.
The good news is that applying for a nursery placement does not need to feel overwhelming. By doing a little research, preparing a few key questions and visiting local nurseries, you can make the process much easier and feel more confident in your decision.
In this blog, we share six things to consider when applying for your child’s early nursery placement, so you can plan ahead and find a setting that feels right for your family.
6 things to consider before applying for a nursery placement
Conducting research into the local nurseries around you can make a huge difference to the whole process of applying for your child’s early nursery placement. It can be anything from researching nurseries online to speaking with other parents for recommendations. When you have this type of knowledge, you can use it to weigh out your options and see how the nurseries match up to your needs.
Here are our top six key considerations to keep in mind when conducting this research:
1. Location is important
Choosing a nursery close to home or work can make daily routines much easier and help your child settle into a consistent routine. If you can, try to find an area nearby with a variety of good schools so you have a range of options at your disposal. A good starting point is to search online, ask other parents for recommendations and keep an eye out for local nurseries during your usual commute.
Alternatively, you can look online for local nursery schools or find out more information through your council’s Family Information Service. All childcare providers in your area must be registered on this database, providing you access to a long list of prospective nurseries.
It’s important to remember there are different types of childcare institutions, for example, private day nurseries, preschool playgroups, primary school nurseries, and community nurseries. Each of these will function in its own way with various fee structures and schedules.
2. Read Ofsted reports
After you’ve found a few nurseries you like, be sure to read their Ofsted reports. Nurseries registered with Ofsted are inspected against set standards, so reading recent reports can give you a useful picture of the setting. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standard framework with Ofsted giving schools ratings based on this framework.
When you’re reading the reports, be sure to take into consideration their rating and the date of the report. If a school had been inspected over five years ago, it may have changed considerably, especially if there have been staff changes in recent years.
3. Chat with other parents
Along with reading Ofsted reports, it’s certainly worth speaking with other parents. Your experience as a parent is always important to others, so ask your friends, family, and any other parents you know about their recommendations and experiences with certain nurseries. It’s also worth taking a look online for testimonials or reviews for your chosen schools. You’ll find out a lot more about your chosen nurseries by asking the people who’ve been there.
4. Plan a visit
Once you’ve shortlisted a few schools, it’s time to book a visit. This is an extremely important thing to do before committing to applying for your child’s nursery placement because you can see the school in action and evaluate its strengths, weaknesses, and atmosphere.
When you have booked your visit, it’s certainly worth preparing some questions to ask. Here are some to consider:
- What are the drop-off and pick-up times?
- Do consumables like food cost extra?
- What ages do you cover?
- How is feedback given to parents? Reports, verbal or online via an app?
- What is the teacher/student ratio?
- Is there any flexibility to fit into your child’s or your routine?
These are just some of the questions to consider before visiting your chosen nursery, but it’s important to take a few minutes to think about what’s important to you and your child. By asking questions, you’ll be more prepared and informed when the time comes to choose a nursery placement.
5. Apply for nursery placements early
When you’ve found a nursery you like, it’s a good idea to apply for your child’s nursery placement as early as possible. Nursery places can fill quickly, especially for popular age groups, funded places and start dates around the beginning of a new term.
Applying early gives you more time to understand availability, arrange a visit, ask questions and prepare your child for their new routine. It can also help you secure the days and sessions that work best for your family. Some nurseries have set intake dates, while others may be able to offer an early nursery placement at different points throughout the year. At Stepping Stones, for example, children can join at different times of the year depending on availability, so it’s always worth getting in touch to discuss your child’s place.
Remember, each nursery will have its own application process. Some may ask you to complete a form online, while others may prefer you to call, email or book a visit first. If you’re unsure, contact the nursery directly and they’ll be able to talk you through the next steps.
6. Check if you are entitled to a funded nursery place
Before applying for a nursery place, be sure to look at the funded childcare entitlement and see if you’re eligible for a funded nursery place. In England, all 3 to 4-year-olds have access to 15 free hours of childcare per week, and some children may even be entitled to 30 free hours of childcare per week, so it’s important to check if you’re eligible. You can check online or you can contact your local council to find out more.
Book a visit with Stepping Stones today
If you’re looking for an early nursery placement in Nottingham, why not book a visit at Stepping Stones Day Nursery today? We’re committed to making applying for a nursery place quick and easy for both parents and children. Once registered with us, we offer free trial sessions to help your child settle in with their new environment and for you to discuss with our caregivers about your child’s particular needs.
Contact us to find out more about what we can offer or book your free sessions today!
Early Nursery Placement FAQs
What is an early nursery placement?
An early nursery placement is a place at nursery arranged before your child reaches school age. This could be for a baby, toddler or preschool-aged child, depending on the nursery’s age range and availability.
When should I apply for a nursery placement?
It’s best to apply for a nursery placement as early as possible, especially if you need specific days, funded hours or a start date around a new term. Applying early gives you more choice and more time to prepare your child.
Can I get a funded nursery placement?
You may be able to get a funded nursery placement depending on your child’s age, your family circumstances and your eligibility. Funding may include support for younger children, 2-year-old funding, 15 hours free childcare or 30 hours free childcare.
Can I visit before applying for a nursery placement?
Yes, visiting before applying is a good idea. It gives you the chance to meet the team, view the rooms and outdoor areas, ask questions and see whether the nursery feels right for your child.