Finding childcare places and managing waitlists
Practical guide to securing funded childcare places, managing waitlists, and what to do when your preferred provider is full.
Getting the hours is only half the battle — you also need a provider who can offer them. Because demand for funded childcare is growing fast, many nurseries and childminders have waitlists. Here's how to find places, what to ask, and what to do if your first choice is full.
Where to start looking
- Family Information Service (FIS): Every local authority has one. They can give you a list of registered nurseries, preschools, and childminders in your area.
- Ofsted register: Search by postcode to find childcare providers who are legally registered and can offer funded places.
- Word of mouth: Other parents often know which settings have space coming up.
- School nurseries: Many primary schools offer nursery places for 3- and 4-year-olds, sometimes with extended funded hours.
Quick search checklist
- • Check your council's Family Information Service website
- • Search Ofsted reports for providers in your area
- • Ask other parents at playgroups or toddler groups
- • Contact local primary schools about nursery places
- • Look for providers near your work as well as home
Questions to ask providers
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do you offer 15 or 30 funded hours? | Not all providers offer the full 30 hours |
| Term-time only or stretched models? | Affects your childcare coverage during holidays |
| Any limits on funded hours? | Some only offer universal 15h or restrict to certain sessions |
| Extra charges for meals/consumables? | Can significantly affect total costs |
| Average wait time for new places? | Helps you plan when to apply |
Provider flexibility
Handling waitlists
- 1
Apply early
Popular nurseries fill up quickly; put your child's name down months ahead of when you need the place.
- 2
Join multiple lists
There's no penalty for being on several waitlists at once. This increases your chances of getting a place.
- 3
Stay in touch
Call occasionally to check your position; places sometimes open mid-term due to family moves or changes.
- 4
Be flexible
If you can adjust your days or hours, you may get in faster. Some providers have more availability on certain days.
- 5
Consider splitting hours
You can use your funded hours across two providers in one day if one provider can't offer all the hours you need.
Waitlist strategy
- • Apply to 3-5 providers to maximize your chances
- • Keep a spreadsheet of who you've contacted and when
- • Follow up every 2-3 months to stay on their radar
- • Be prepared to pay privately while waiting for a funded place
What if no places are available?
If you're struggling to find a funded place:
- Your local council has a duty to help ensure there is enough childcare "as far as reasonably practicable." They may help match you with providers in nearby areas.
- Ask if new capacity is coming soon — many councils are funding new nursery spaces ahead of September 2025.
- In the meantime, you may need to pay privately or use fewer hours until a funded place becomes available.
Contact your local council
They have a duty to help ensure sufficient childcare provision in your area.
Look for new providers
Many councils are funding new nursery spaces ahead of the 2025 expansion.
Consider temporary solutions
You may need to pay privately or use fewer hours until a funded place becomes available.
Key tips for success
- Start searching well before your child turns the eligible age — some providers have 12+ month waitlists
- Have a backup provider in mind — don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Keep a record of who you've contacted and when — helps you follow up effectively
- Double-check that the provider is signed up with the local authority to accept funded hours
- Consider location flexibility — providers near your work might have more availability
- Ask about sibling priority — many providers give priority to siblings of existing children
Different types of providers
Nurseries and day nurseries
- • Usually larger settings with multiple rooms
- • Often open longer hours
- • May have more structured activities
- • Can be more expensive for additional hours
Childminders
- • Smaller, home-based settings
- • Often more flexible with hours
- • May offer more personal care
- • Can be more affordable for additional hours
Pre-schools and playgroups
- • Usually term-time only
- • Often shorter sessions
- • May be more affordable
- • Good for part-time childcare needs
School nurseries
- • Attached to primary schools
- • Good transition to reception
- • Usually term-time only
- • May have limited hours
When to start looking
| Child's age | When to start looking | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years old | When child is 18 months | Eligible from term after 2nd birthday |
| 3 years old | When child is 2.5 years | Eligible from term after 3rd birthday |
| 9-23 months | When child is 6 months | Eligible from term after 9th month |
Early bird advantage
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Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Always check the latest official government guidance and speak to your childcare provider for the most up-to-date information specific to your situation.
Official government resources: