# 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.

Page: https://toddly.co.uk/when-to-apply-for-nursery (inputs are URL query parameters, so any result can be linked).

## Example: baby due 14 February 2027, starting at 12 months

- 14 February 2027: **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.
- 14 May 2027: **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.
- 25 July 2027: **Apply for your working-parent childcare code** (rule). You can apply from 23 weeks old. You will get an 11-digit code to give the nursery.
- 31 January 2028: **Settling-in sessions**. Most nurseries run short visits over one to two weeks before the first full day. Ask what they charge for them.
- 14 February 2028: **First day at nursery**. At 12 months old.
- 31 March 2028: **Deadline for a code for the summer term** (rule). 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.
- 1 April 2028: **Working-parent funded hours start** (rule). Up to 30 hours a week in term time, if you are eligible. Reconfirm every 3 months.
- 1 April 2030: **Universal 15 hours start** (rule). Every 3-year-old gets 15 hours from the term after their 3rd birthday, whatever your income.
- 15 January 2031: **Apply for a reception place**. Through your council, usually by 15 January of the year your child starts school. Check your council's date.
- 1 September 2031: **Reception starts; early years funding ends** (rule). Funded hours stop when your child starts in reception.

## 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.

## Next steps

- [Exact funding start dates](https://toddly.co.uk/funded-hours-start-date?dob=2027-02-14)
- [Print a visit checklist](https://toddly.co.uk/nursery-visit-checklist)
- [Guide: how to choose a nursery](https://toddly.co.uk/guides/how-to-choose-a-nursery)

## Frequently asked questions

### 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: https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/when-to-apply, checked 11 November 2026