Community Posts, Tips & Support on Childcare & Education

When do we get the 30 hours of funded childcare? My son already has the 15 hours but the nursery have asked us to complete a form for 30 hours so he'll get them from September. I'd be super happy with that as I thought we don't get them until the term after they turn three, so January? Does anyone know?

Looking for recommendations for a nursery in the Kingston/New Malden area. Any recommendations much appreciated! 🤗

Just wondering how much people roughly pay for nursery in London. ( we are north London if it makes a difference) My Little boy is 1 and we aren’t entitled to any benefits. Just trying to work out if it’s worth sending him to try get more hours of work or if it’s just pointless

Has anyone studied the OU? How did you find it? Did you manage to get a job from your degree? I’m worried employers won’t accept it 🫣

For babies that aren't eligible in September for the 15 free hours, how and when are we supposed to apply for January.

My close friend offered to watch my almost 5month old sometime. I am so thankful and would love a date with my husband, but baby boy is our first and I’m nervous of leaving him too soon. He does ok being held by my friends when I’m around, but I’m not sure how he would do without me right there, or waking up to some...

Just wondered if anyone has any experience being in UC and not sending their child to nursery/preschool? For context I've been told I'll have to start looking for work once my son turns 3 however I have no childcare options and can not afford childminder or nursery, compulsory school age isn't till 5 years old (alt...

Now I'm just worried because they close at 6, I work until 7:30 and they're not open on the weekends.

Hi girls! Just a question about our funded hours. I got a message through today regarding the 15 hours starting from September but my daughters nursery seem to be adding loads of extras on now too and I didn’t know whether it was just standard procedure? We now have to pay for meals & we will be charged £10 every 15...

Do you still get the tax free childcare when you start getting the funded hours?

We had a moses basket downstairs for our daughter but looking at this for an alternative this time. Anyone got this and can recommend it?

Just wondering if anyone can help please. My daughter will be going to a Welsh school, and I know they do intakes from 3yo. She turns 3 in November, so does that mean she HAS to go to school in the January intake? - or can I wait until the possible April intake or the definite September intake (2025)? Just stressed ...

How do you all plan to approach the upcoming RSV season? Last year we were pretty protective because our baby was a newborn. This year things look different because we’re actually going to Daycare so I feel like we’re much more at risk. How do you plan on navigating that with family?

I applied for the tax free childcare on the 27/7 and I got a message on the government portal thing saying they’re reviewing my application and I should expect to hear from them in 7 days but still haven’t heard anything. Has anyone else has this?

Those who’s toddlers are starting nursery in September or are already in nursery, what shoes are you sending them in? Do I go for normal trainers or MaryJane type school shoes??

I’m curious - my 2.5 year old still hasn’t started Nursery. I only want her to go Nursery to help her social and independent skills. I’ve looked around my area and I have these issues: • I only get 3 full days or 3 mornings per week for £900-£1k pcm INCLUDING funding hours! • Any places that do accept funding/ UC ...

How do we get this? My daughter already has the 15 hours. Is it just reconfirming to get a new code? My next re confirmation is 21st September

My daughter started her daycare transition this week. I had a good idea of what to expect because I work in a daycare myself. What I wasn't prepared for is the emotional toll of having to say goodbye to her in the mornings. I think it will be easier once I am back at work on Monday because I won't be at home struggl...

Do the free 15 hours start from 1st September? Also anyone else’s childminder/nursery struggling to set it up? Mine has said the portal she uses for her 3 years olds isn’t accepting my sons code or something 😬

Hey everyone, we are relocating to Worthing, from Bristol. (1+3 year olds) I was wondering if there are long waiting lists for nursery/childminders in Worthing? Bristol has a lot of them! Thanks x