First world dilemma I know, but would really appreciate some MN perspective as I can't see the wood from the trees.
Two DCs, one 2.8 and one .8. I go back to work in April. We currently have a combination of p/t nanny and GP four days a week, she is lovely and we're very happy with this arrangement. Either DH or I are at home one day a week. DC 1 would probably benefit from being in a nursery a couple of days a week as she will start school in 18 months. We've been on nursery waiting lists for 18 months. We've been offered:
- A place in a lovely small pre-school 5 minutes from where we live, matching the days we wanted. The challenge is, its term time only, probably only mornings (as DC still naps and they don't do naps) and it's probably a good start to nursery life, but ultimately we would probably look to move her in 6 months or so to a more structured environment.
- A place in a lovely nursery (rated outstanding for what it's worth, other one not yet rated) about 25 minutes walk away. This is probably our longer term choice. The challenge is it's only two days a week, and one of those days is my NWD.
To make more complicated our house is about to go on the market, we're looking to move in the same area (and any move probably won't be for 6 -8 months). The second nursery is probably more likely to be within commutable distance, but may not be.
All things being equal, I would go with the small pre-school as a gentle start to nursery life (and a conveniently close one to get used to new routines with two DC plus working!) and then move to the other nursery (or another nursery if we are moving and can get in elsewhere) in September.
The dilemma is, are we being unreasonable in putting her in a nursery knowing we will want to move in 6 months. The other dilemma, is that the second nursery can't guarantee a place for September (were quite far down the list apparently, but others aren't interested in the two days they have now) they think it's more likely than not. If we take the place now, we'll at least be guaranteed three days in September, they will also see if we can move days (so it doesn't cover my NWD) but again this may not be possible.
WWYD? If we accept the two days is more continuity for her, but I loose time with her and baby gets less one on one time in the week. We may also be in a different position by September so that none of these options work so we will have done all this for nothing. If we don't accept, then we may not get a September place in the nursery we think best for her long term....