When Should You Apply for Nursery in the UK? The Essential 2026 Timeline for Parents (Simple, Clear & Stress-Free Guide)
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through parenting groups or talking to friends at soft play, you’ll notice one question comes up again and again:
“When should I actually apply for nursery?”
Some parents say, “before the baby is even born.”
Others say, “6 months ahead is fine.”
And some swear they got a place the week before returning to work.
No wonder families feel confused.
The truth is: there is no single UK-wide nursery application date. Every nursery, borough and setting works differently — but there are patterns, and understanding them early will save you stress later.
This guide breaks everything down in a clear, parent-friendly way, with realistic timelines, examples, and what to do if you’re applying later than planned. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Edinburgh or a small village, this updated 2026 timeline will help you avoid long waiting lists and get the right nursery place for your child.
1. The Quick Answer: When Should You Apply for Nursery in the UK?
If you only take away one thing from this article, let it be this:
Most parents in the UK apply for nursery 6–12 months before they need the place.
But…
In London and high-demand areas, parents often apply 12–18 months in advance.
For babies starting around 9–12 months, many nurseries recommend enquiring during pregnancy.
And importantly:
School nurseries (3–4 years) have fixed, council-run application deadlines — usually January–March for the following September.
So the right time depends on:
- Where you live
- Your chosen nursery type
- Your child’s age
- Whether you need funding
- Whether you want full-day care or term-time only
Let’s break this down properly.
2. Understanding the Different Types of Nurseries (Each Has Its Own Timeline)
Before looking at dates, it helps to understand which nursery type you plan to apply for, because each one works differently.
1. Private Day Nurseries (0–5 years)
These are the ones you apply to the earliest because demand varies hugely.
Typical application window:
⭐ 6–12 months in advance (standard UK)
⭐ 12–18 months (London zones, Surrey, Bristol, Brighton)
Why so early?
Private nurseries manage their own waiting lists, and spaces usually open when older children move rooms. Baby rooms have the lowest capacity, so they fill fastest.
2. School Nurseries (3–4 years, term-time only)
These follow local council deadlines, not rolling admissions.
Typical application dates:
Apply between January–March
Offers given in April
Start date: the following September
If you miss the deadline, you can still apply, but your chances depend on availability.
3. Childminders
Much more flexible, but their spaces also fill quickly.
Typical application window:
3–6 months in advance
Many parents find childminders by recommendation — if you love one, join their waiting list early.
4. Preschool / Playgroup (2–4 years, part-time)
These settings often run autumn, spring and summer intakes.
Typical application window:
1–2 terms ahead
Places can be more available, but some preschools are extremely popular.
3. Month-By-Month Application Timeline (For Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers)
This section gives a realistic breakdown based on your child’s age when they’ll start nursery.
If your baby will start nursery around 9–12 months old:
Apply: During pregnancy or by 2–3 months postpartum.
Why?
Baby rooms often have only 6–12 places, and spaces only open when another baby transitions into the toddler room.
Reality for 2026:
In major cities, baby rooms are the first to fill — many parents join waitlists before their baby is born.
If your child will start nursery at 2 years (including funding places):
Apply: 6–12 months in advance.
Why?
Two-year rooms have more movement, especially in spring and autumn.
If your child qualifies for funded childcare, read our guide on common funding misconceptions (internal link):
➡️ 9 Childcare Funding Myths Every Parent Believes
If your child will start at 3–4 years old (with 30 hours funding):
Apply:
- Private nursery: 6–12 months ahead
- School nursery: Follow council deadlines (January–March)
You’ll find a breakdown of costs, ratings and Ofsted guidance here:
➡️ UK Nursery Guide 2026
4. What Affects How Early You Need to Apply?
Every parent’s situation is different, but these factors play a big role:
1. Your Location
London, Surrey, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh → apply as early as possible.
Rural or low-demand areas → 3–6 months is often enough.
2. Start Month
The busiest start dates:
- September
- January
- April
If you’re planning one of these, join waitlists early.
3. Nursery Reputation
Award-winning or Ofsted Outstanding nurseries fill up quickly.
See which nurseries parents loved the most this year:
➡️ NurseryCompare Awards 2024–2025: Top 20 UK Nurseries
4. Your Schedule
Full-time places are harder to secure than part-time spots.
5. Age Group
Baby rooms: hardest to get into.
Toddler rooms: more flexible.
Preschool rooms: easier unless it’s a school nursery
5. What If You’re Late Applying? (Very Common, Very Fixable)
Don’t panic — most parents apply later than they “should.”
Here’s what actually helps:
1. Join multiple waiting lists
Nurseries expect this. It increases your odds dramatically.
2. Ask about mid-term availability
Spaces often appear when:
- Families move home
- Work patterns change
- Children move up a room
- Staff ratios increase
3. Be flexible with days
Even choosing Tuesday–Wednesday–Friday instead of Mon–Wed can secure a place.
4. Consider reputable childminders
Many parents find excellent, warm childcare this way.
5. Use local networks & recommendations
WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups and parent networks often share real-time openings.
For more help choosing, read:
➡️ How to Find a Nursery for Your Child (Tips & Guidance)
6. How Many Nurseries Should You Apply To?
Most parents apply to:
- 3–5 private nurseries, or
- 1 school nursery + 1–2 backups, or
- 1 favourite childminder + 1–2 nurseries
Applying to only one nursery is the main reason for disappointment.
Think of it like job applications:
more options = more offers.
7. What Happens After You Apply? (Step-By-Step)
This varies by nursery, but here’s the typical process:
- You enquire or fill out a registration form
- You may pay a small admin fee (£25–£50 is common)
- You join the waiting list
- The nursery contacts you when a place opens
- You confirm days and sign an agreement
- Settling-in sessions begin (2–3 weeks before start)
If you don’t hear back regularly, it’s fine to email for an update — nurseries expect it.
8. School Nursery Deadlines (Clear & Simple)
Most school nurseries follow these timelines:
- Applications open: January
- Applications close: March
- Offers released: April
- Start date: September
If you miss the council deadline, you can still apply, but availability will depend on your postcode and catchment area.
9. Example Timelines (Realistic Scenarios for Parents)
Here are simple examples to help you plan.
Example 1: Baby born in March who will start nursery at 12 months (next March)
Apply: during pregnancy or by baby’s birth
Tour nurseries: 3rd trimester
Expect offer: late summer/autumn
Example 2: Toddler turning 2 in July, starting nursery in September
Apply: January–March
Tour nurseries: winter or spring
Expect offer: spring or early summer
Example 3: Child starting 3–4-year school nursery next September
Apply: January–March of the same year
(Whether your child already attends a private nursery does not guarantee a school place.)
Final Thoughts: Applying Early Helps — But You Have Options
Every family’s situation is different, but planning ahead can make the childcare journey much smoother. If you start early, tour a few nurseries, and stay flexible about days, you’ll have far more choice.
And remember:
Most parents feel lost at first. You’re not alone — and NurseryCompare is here to help.
Ready to Find Nurseries Near You?
Use NurseryCompare to explore real parent reviews, Ofsted ratings, and our top recommendations across the UK.
👉 Browse nurseries now and start your shortlist — your future self will thank you.
FAQ: When Should You Apply for Nursery in the UK?
London families should ideally apply 12–18 months in advance, especially for baby rooms or highly rated nurseries. In some boroughs, parents join waiting lists during pregnancy due to high demand.
Yes. Many private nurseries allow prenatal applications, especially for baby rooms. You can confirm the start date and update details after your baby arrives.
The biggest turnover times are September, January and April, when older children move rooms and new funding cycles begin.
Join multiple waiting lists, ask for mid-term availability, or consider childminders or preschools. Many parents eventually receive a place, even if not immediately.
Yes — especially in oversubscribed areas. Since places are allocated by councils, apply during the January–March window to maximise your chances.
There’s no such thing as too early for private nurseries. For school nurseries, applying early doesn’t give any advantage — only meeting the deadline matters.
