Confused myself now...

[thegrowlygus]

Well. I have been to look round a few nurseries. All much of a muchness. Went to the one at my husband's work which is OK (main drawback is that it is the second floor of a building, so going outside to play is a bit of an undertaking). We get staff discount, which makes it reasonably cheap childcare for the area.

Was fairly decided on sending both boys to the work nursery. The only slight worry on my part is that my eldest went there when he was around one year old and hated it. It was in a different building then, and there had been a lot of upheavel (moving house etc) so not necessarily their fault. Although it has been said since that although a well run, good nursery, others have had simlar experiences. Others have also had really great things to say about it too.

Well, I have now been recommended another nursery. I haven't even been to look round yet, but judging by its location (farmland) and reputation, it will be excellent. It is also going to cost 200 quid more a month. And isn't as convenient as having them both at hubbie's work. But it just looks lovely. And I know that for childcare you have to go with your gut instinct and already this one way outshines the other.

But money is money, and we can't really afford the extra, but now I want to!

Oh dear. Why did I look further? Why didn't I just stop at the one that was "good enough" rather than start looking at the "excellent" ones?!!

Now what?

Do I go and visit the expensive lovely one anyway? OR will that just make me feel worse in the long run? Perhaps if I sell one child I can afford to send the other there...

[cmotdibbler]

I'd go and look round the expensive one - it really helps to be able to work out what it is that you don't like about the others iyswim.
In our last house DS ended up at a nursery that was 300 quid more than some others round our way, but having seen them all it was outstandingly right. When moving we looked round the new area, and we knew what was important to us and DS.
Not being able to go out and play easily would be a major drawback to me.
Is it long till your eldest gets state funding ? That will go a long way to helping, and make sure you get childcare vouchers from work as that can save a bucketload.