to want to put my child in a nursery that is just outside my town?

[IndigoSunshine]

I go back to work at the beginning of December, but I'm having a problem with childcare. As a nursery nurse I know the ins and outs of nurseries and also that the one I work in is the best private one. I don't want to be in the same work environment as my child so there is no chance he is going to mine.

The other nurseries in town are either; term time only (not ideal as I work all year round), a nursery with an awful reputation and one that is full for the days I need. I really like a nursery just outside my town (2 miles away) but as DP does not drive, if he was to ever pick him up he would need to take the bus, which he despises. We have lots of other family members in our town who drive and would have no problem picking DS up if needs be.

Am I being unreasonable in wanting to put my child in what to me seems the best of all available choices but less accessible to DP? He probably won't pick up that often as he works further away from home than me and I'd simply get my DS after finishing work. It's just the 'what if?' factor. Sorry it's so long-winded.

[NorfolkBroad]

I would use the nursery that you prefer. 2 miles out of town is not far and, as you say you have lots of people willing to help. Could your partner not walk when he picks dc up?

[redskyatnight]

Depends what you mean by the "what if" scenario really. If you mean the very odd time when you are ill or have an emergency, so literally a handful of times a year then it seems fair enough (you do have a back up plan in that others can pick up DS, DP can get the bus or even a taxi or cycle etc).

Assuming the bus ride is not an easy one, I think that more than (say) once or twice a month might be too much. What does DP say? I based my choice of childcare round my availability to pick up the DC - I think DH maybe picked them up about a dozen times in 5 years.

[MrBloomsNursery]

2 miles away isn't very far at all...How does he get to work if it's further away? .

Do what you feel is best.

[IndigoSunshine]

He gets a lift with a couple of workmates who drive alternatively every week. Although he sees my point of view of it being the better nursery and takes it into account, he still worries about the off chance he needs to pick him up in an emergency. The bus ride is not difficult, he just doesn't like the thought of trying to get the pram on etc. And yes, he could very well walk, that probably won't take much longer than 45 minutes and he likes being outside, as does DS so that could work.

[MowlemB]

I did it. The nursery I liked was in a village outside the market town I live about 3 miles down the road. It worked for us, but DH does have a car.

As an alternative, if your DH is going to need to do this from time to time, how about getting him a cheap bike with a child's seat on the back? Just a second hand one would do. Doesn't have to be expensive. It would take no time at all to cycle there and back.