Not only is choosing a nursery for your child a daunting experience, but knowing when to apply and register can be confusing, particularly if you have just had your first child. And with so many different types of pre-schools and childcare options available, parents can feel at a loss. Here at Monkey Puzzle, we suggest you get a head start so that the process is seamless and stress free. So, let’s take a look at our top tips for when you should apply for a nursery.
When should you start looking for nursery schools?
Children are available to attend a nursery during the first four years of their life. Even the smallest babies can be cared for at nursery, allowing parents to go back to work as soon as they would like.
However, it’s not uncommon to be faced with a waiting list when you apply for a nursery. And over recent years, these waiting lists have become considerably bigger as parents are returning to work much sooner than before.
As a result, whether you’re looking to send your child to nursery at 6 months old or 4 years old, always try to start looking for nurseries well in advance, ideally around a year before you intend to enrol your child. This early time frame provides ample time to research, visit potential schools, and consider factors like location, curriculum and availability.
What is the registration process for a nursery?
The nursery registration process is a crucial step in securing a spot for your child’s early education. Take a look at what you can expect once you have found a nursery for your child, from nursery tours to creating registration forms and acceptance.
Arrange a visit to the nursery
Of course, you should always make the time to visit your chosen nursery to assess its suitability for your child. During the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with the nursery staff, explore the learning environment, and ask questions about their programmes, safety measures and activities. It’s also a chance to speak with the Nursery Manager to find out more about the registration process and how many spaces are currently available. While we don’t want you feeling under pressure, it’s important to make swift decisions following your visit as another family may take your place.
Complete a registration form
If the nursery looks like the best fit, you should then complete a registration form that will be sent to the Nursery Manager. They will then review the form and check to see whether they can accommodate your choice of days and times you want for your child. However, just filling out the form doesn’t mean you’ll get the exact days you want. They will send you a letter to confirm if they can do it after looking at your form.
So, when you’re filling out the form, make sure you’re really sure about the days and times you want for your child. If you change your mind closer to when your child will start, they might not have a spot for you anymore.
When will you find out if your application is successful?
The timing of when you’ll find out if your nursery application is successful for your child can vary depending on the nursery’s specific procedures and policies. Typically, you should receive a confirmation or notification from the nursery after they have reviewed your application. It’s a good idea to inquire about your nursery of choice’s expected timeline, as it can differ from one to another. At Monkey Puzzle, you’ll recieve a confirmation of your enquiry just after you get in touch and then the nursery will be in contact as soon as they have had a change to review you application to discuss the next steps, such as talking in depth about your form or arranging a tour of the nursery.
Choosing Monkey Puzzle is the first step toward providing your child with a nurturing and enriching early education experience. With our commitment to high-quality care and a stimulating environment, Monkey Puzzle offers parents the peace of mind that your child’s development is in capable hands. Get in touch today to find out more about how you can register today.
