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September might still feel far off, but in the nursery world, it’s the big reset. Children move on to school, new families start, and some spaces suddenly become free.
The good news? There’s still time to fill them… if you focus your marketing now. And no, that doesn’t mean shouting ‘Spaces available!’ into the Facebook void and hoping the phone rings.
Let’s look at how to attract the right families and get them through the door…
Your ideal parents are already on Facebook and Instagram – often scrolling with a baby on one hip and a half-drunk cup of tea in hand.
Social media works for nurseries because it’s local by design. When you post about your summer activities, new outdoor equipment, or a day in the life at your setting…
It’s seen by local parents in their feed
It’s tagged by friends who might be looking for a nursery
It’s shared in local parenting groups or community pages
This is word-of-mouth, supercharged. The more you show up, the more you become the nursery everyone recognises.
Yes, the world has gone digital – but offline marketing still works wonders for nurseries, especially when you keep it personal and community-focused.
Leaflet drops in nearby neighbourhoods, postcards on café counters, or flyers handed out at toddler groups can put you in front of parents who aren’t actively searching online but would be open to a conversation.
Be creative with the headline, ‘Spaces Available’ doesn’t cut it anymore, and always include a next step, such as booking a visit, coming to an event or downloading your information pack.
Building your occupancy doesn’t have to happen in isolation – your local community can be your biggest ally, especially in August when families are constantly out and about. Partner with nearby cafes, soft play centres, leisure centres or even shops to spread the word about your nursery.
This could be as simple as swapping flyers to display in each other’s spaces, offering exclusive trial sessions or discounts to their customers or even sponsoring a small area at a local event they’re already hosting.
When a trusted local business recommends you, it instantly boosts your credibility and helps you connect with families who might not have found you otherwise.
Filling spaces for September isn’t about one big marketing push… it’s about showing up in the right places, consistently, with a warm and genuine message. When you combine online visibility, local presence and in-person experiences, you create multiple touchpoints for families to connect with you.
And the earlier you start, the more time you give parents to get to know, like, and trust you before making their decision.
Tricia, Founder of MBK Early Years and Owner of 8 Bright Kid’s Day Nurseries uses Cub Connect, to take the hassle out of their social media marketing. Cub Connect specialise in helping all Early Years settings get eyes on their nursery without the marketing overwhelm. From Social Media Management and Meta Advertising to content creation and strategy. As Tricia says “They make sure our nurseries show up consistently, ensuring they stand out and make real connections with the local families.”
Zoe, the founder of Cub Connect, has put together 12 tried and tested ways to market your nursery – all simple, low-cost, and designed to boost your occupancy.
Download your free guide here and start filling those spaces today.
Zoe Tolley is the founder of Cub Connect.
Known for their commitment to innovative and impactful marketing, their aim is to support nurseries in creating environments where children can thrive, families feel connected, and communities grow stronger.
As a passionate marketing strategist, the vision for Cub Connect is to become the leading marketing partner for nurseries across the UK.
You can contact Zoe here
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