Community Posts, Tips & Support on Childcare & Education

What is the earliest you have/are booking your baby in for a nursery placement? I know they won't be starting for a couple years but I've been told "the sooner the better"

There have been so many unpleasant surprises that I am wondering if raising a concern would help at all or if I shouldn't even try and rather look elsewhere. Has anyone got their LO at ED? Have you seen improvement after you discuss what is going wrong?

My daughter currently receives the 15 hours free childcare. She is eligible for the 30 hours free childcare and for our sept 21 babies, they don't start till Jan 25. I wondered what the process is for applying. Does it just appear in our tax free childcare hmrc account when we reconfirm? If so, when is this likely t...

Does anyone know how universal credit and childcare work? I’m going back to work next month and just want to find out more about what I need to do

Hi all, Those who have already a kid, what are your plans in regards to childcare while you are in the hospital for birth of a new baby? Is the older kid staying home with dad, friends, family? Those who do not have family around what do you do? I am thinking whether we should hire a nanny just in case? Last time w...

Is anyone else in the same predicament? I work part time and also on universal credit, but looking to bump my hours up to maybe 25 hours a week. I applied for the 15 free hours, as it caters to 'working parents'. But as I'm not going to be earning £2,300 in 3 months, they've refused. How am I, as a single mum, suppo...

Does anyone have any recommendations on what has worked well to get LO started at nursery? I don't just want to drop him off for the first time and then go straight into work so thinking a day or two a week in the few weeks leading up to that? Is that enough?!

Dad is supposed to pay £256 a month on the 27th He's decided to stop paying from September (so missed sept 27th Payment), so I contacted child maintenance and the arrears have been updated on my account but it's only for £244.85? Does anyone know why it's not the full £256?

Does your child’s nursery have male workers ? Our LB’s nursery has 4 male workers who are all lovely, and my son has gone through stages of being quite attached to a few of them, following them around wanting to play etc. I was talking to an old friend yesterday who is looking at nurseries for her LO now, and sh...

We had our first baby in June and are starting to look into childcare. Currently located in the New Albany/ Westerville area. Any recommendation’s or places to stay away from would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Do any of you have recommendations on how to find mature aged Nanny’s? I lost my mom in April and am realizing how big of a void we have for my 6 year old. Would love to find someone with life experiences who fill in as both caregiving and emotional support.

My baby girl(2y&5months) is starting daycare on Monday for the first time 🥹she’ll be going full time 5 days a week. It’s her first time away from us. I feel good about her daycare. However o have questions 🥹 Did it take your LO long to get accustomed to a new routine? How did they act when you picked them up the…

Any one have any recommendations for a part time in home nanny? We need a nanny Monday and Weds 10a to 5p for my 4 month old. We are holistic, have 2 adorable dogs, and need someone to start next week. Send me all your recs please 🙏

My 18 month old is starting nursery next month and I want to get her sorted for stuff to take. The nursery haven't given me a list, so thought I would ask here :) What are you must have nursery items? Also can anyone recommend a cute nursery bag to put stuff in?

We have decided to put our 17month old daughter in daycare 2-3 days per week. We are going to begin touring both in home daycares and facilities. What are some things I should look for/ask while touring them? Also, has anyone had positive experiences with in home daycares?

Dying from anxiety to leave my baby there but have no choice. How to cope?!

I live in Cofton Hackett, which I love but my LO is only in catchment for wasely and maybe Colmers high schools. Do does anyone have experience with these schools? A good school is important to me and so wondering if we'll have to move

This might be a long shot but does anyone have any good daycare recommendations? I have a tour coming up with little tykes 👀 anyone heard of them?

I don’t work, and dont get universal credit (as I arrived from abroad so it’s complex- I’m British but was abroad for almost a year). However in order for me to work my child needs to be in childcare , and it’s simply unaffordable with the kind of jobs I do. Where do I go ? Websites? What information do I need? P...

Hi My son is now 3. I'm a stay at home mum but I've just been advised by the heath visitor about putting him into a nursery. He wouldn't receive any funding until January. Do I have to apply for this funding? Do I just apply for a nursery place? What do I do?