When to apply for nursery
Most parents start looking about a year before they need a place and register 9 to 12 months ahead; popular baby rooms fill earliest. Funding has fixed dates: apply for the working-parent code from 23 weeks old and before the term you need it, and the hours start on 1 January, 1 April or 1 September.
Example: baby due 14 February 2027, starting at 12 months
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14 February 2027 · rule of thumb
Start shortlisting and visiting
Popular nurseries, especially baby rooms, can have waiting lists of a year or more. This is our rule of thumb, not a deadline.
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14 May 2027 · rule of thumb
Register and pay any deposit
Ask how the waiting list works, whether the deposit is refundable and when you must confirm days. Our rule of thumb.
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25 July 2027 · gov.uk rule
Apply for your working-parent childcare code
You can apply from 23 weeks old. You will get an 11-digit code to give the nursery.
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31 January 2028 · rule of thumb
Settling-in sessions
Most nurseries run short visits over one to two weeks before the first full day. Ask what they charge for them.
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14 February 2028 · rule of thumb
First day at nursery
At 12 months old.
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31 March 2028 · gov.uk rule
Deadline for a code for the summer term
Apply by this date to have funded hours from 1 April 2028. Applying a few weeks earlier leaves time to give the code to the nursery.
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1 April 2028 · gov.uk rule
Working-parent funded hours start
Up to 30 hours a week in term time, if you are eligible. Reconfirm every 3 months.
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1 April 2030 · gov.uk rule
Universal 15 hours start
Every 3-year-old gets 15 hours from the term after their 3rd birthday, whatever your income.
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15 January 2031 · rule of thumb
Apply for a reception place
Through your council, usually by 15 January of the year your child starts school. Check your council's date.
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1 September 2031 · gov.uk rule
Reception starts; early years funding ends
Funded hours stop when your child starts in reception.
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Next steps
Assumptions
- Steps marked “rule” come from gov.uk; the rest are our rules of thumb from how nurseries run waiting lists.
- Waiting lists vary a lot: some nurseries take registrations only a few months ahead, others are full a year out. Ask each one.
Questions parents ask
How early should I put my name down for nursery?
In busy areas, as early as you can once you know where you will live, often during pregnancy for a baby-room place. Elsewhere 6 to 9 months ahead is often enough. Ask each nursery how long its list is for your start date.
Do I have to pay to join a waiting list?
Some nurseries charge a registration fee and many take a deposit when they offer a place. Ask whether either is refundable and whether the deposit comes off your last bill.
Can I apply for funded hours before my baby is born?
No. You can apply for the working-parent code from when your child is 23 weeks old.
Sources
- When to apply and term start dates checked 11 November 2026
By The Toddly editorial team · Rules checked 11 November 2026