It’s sadly true that they do, but for some, it might also be a welcome relief!  Parents with children born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008 need to start applying for nursery places.

The online nursery application system for 2011-12 opens on Monday February 21.

In an important change to last year’s application process, Hertfordshire County Council is no longer coordinating the nursery admissions process, due to the increased flexibility and range of choices available.

For the first time parents will be able to use one system to apply for a place at a nursery school or class as well as a place at a private, voluntary or independent nursery, such as  a pre-school or day nursery. The online system allows for local allocation of places and you can state which nursery you would most prefer and the days you would like your child to attend.

A leaflet, ‘Applying for a nursery place’ is being distributed to families across the county, which explains all you need to know about making an application on the new online system.

Visit www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions and follow the link. To find your nearest nursery use the easy online mapping facility – simply enter your postcode to find nurseries in your area.

The application and online mapping systems only include nurseries offering the 15 hours of free early years provision in Hertfordshire. If your chosen nursery is listed but appears “greyed out” you will not be able to make an online application and need to contact that nursery direct to enquire about a place for your child.