I would recommend waiting to buy things or picking them up if you see them on freecycle, boot fairs, ebay, charity shops or friends. Particularly the big stuff. Wait to see what children you have start. However concentrate on safety stuff - first aid box, stair gates, drawer locks etc.
It can take up to a year to register from going to the first briefing session so it is not a quick process. It can be as short as 3 months though. At present there is a limited grant that new childcare settings can apply for.
I have bought pottys, training seats etc as they were needed. When I first started I only had a few toys, some craft stuff and a single pushchair.
The first child I had was nearly 3, then a 2.5 year old, then a 2 year old - so I didn't need to buy a highchair, double buggy etc for 2 1/2 years. Even now I tend to buy things when I know new children will be starting. My pushchair is 8 years old and I have just bought a new one off kiddicare for £36
as I have a baby starting in October. I have slowly collected car seats over the years but I will still need to buy another backed booster for Oct as I have another 4 year old starting (will be 3 on some days). Before I moved I rarely used the car for minding so did not need lots of carseats or a 7 seater.
You could make a wish list of items that you would like to buy to show your pre reg inspector. You are not expected to be fully equipped before your pre-reg or when you first start.
Good luck
Ps look for multicultural books, toys and activities in the charity shops & boot fairs
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