Sure start

Hello UK mums I’m looking into day care for my little one when I go back to work in the future. I’m wondering can anyone with experience with sure start give me any information on it.

There is one in the town where I live so it would be so convenient for me and it would be great to get to know local mums too. I would love my little one to make friends at a young age.

I filled in a form at my 1st scan appointment but I’ve got no reply yet. Maybe they wait until the baby is born?

Is there a long waiting list? When do I apply for a place?

I work shifts and my partner works 9 - 5. So I might only need to leave the baby in at 12pm and someone would lift it when they close at 5 and babysit until my partner gets home at 6. I might work from 5am and finish at 12pm some days as well. Can I leave it in and lift it when I need to or do they want the baby there all day?

Any help would be appreciated :)