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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Childminder or nursery.

36 replies

WanderingTrolley1 · 30/06/2014 11:36

DS, 17 months, started with a childminder last week for 2 days p/w.

A place has become available at a local nursery for him to begin settling in period in 2 weeks.

I don't know which will be best for him. Currently, the CM only has 1 other child, but 2 others will start sept/oct.

How do I decide which to go for?

TIA for any responses.

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RiverTam · 30/06/2014 12:01

at 17 months I would go with the nursery if it can take him up to starting school.

snowgirl1 · 30/06/2014 11:59

I liked the idea of a CM, but was put off by the idea of having to either arrange holiday when the CM did (which because they often look after school age children will likely be in the school holidays when it's most expensive to go on holiday) or having to arrange alternative cover.

I was also worried about the CM being sick and having to arrange cover - although most CMs reassured me they hadn't been sick in the last X years.

For me, the idea of knowing the nursery could provide guaranteed care 52 weeks a year (if we wanted it) swung it for me. But there are pros and cons to both options - maybe DD's picked up more bugs as a result of being at nursery and been off nursery more than she would've if she'd been at a CM.

VeryPunny · 30/06/2014 11:58

Fat = far!

VeryPunny · 30/06/2014 11:57

I'd choose a good nursery over a CM any day. Our nursery had an on site kitchen so I think the food is fat superior and more varied than anything a CM could provide. No problems with staff being off sick and more flexibility with holidays.

Our nursery has a vast range of toys and activities, a dedicated dark cot room for sleeping and a great key worker and buddy system. I'm more confident that DD's immediate needs are met as if one child is crying etc there are always more staff on hand. The rooms are dedicated to each age group so no worries about dangerous furniture etc. Our nursery also has large gardens off each room.

I've seen too many childminders ignoring charges at cafes to be confident in their care.

Not all nurseries are equal though - YMMV.

Original poster
WanderingTrolley1 · 30/06/2014 11:50

Her other mindee, not minder.

Please excuse poor spelling.

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Original poster
WanderingTrolley1 · 30/06/2014 11:49

In the car, not the dad.

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Original poster
WanderingTrolley1 · 30/06/2014 11:48

Hi, Custard.

This will be his 2nd full day.

They collect and drop off, whereas I'd have to get DS to the nursery myself - about a 10/15 min walk.

When they collect, he doesn't cry, but looks a little sad. They say he's fine once in the dad and good as gold while he's there. Her other minded is almost a year older, which is fine. Her 2 new starts will be under 1.

For DS to do 2 days with CM, it costs me £80. The nursery is £165 p/w, fully flexible, but I still want DS to do 2, maybe 3 days.

OP posts:
Thurlow · 30/06/2014 11:45

Personally I prefer a CM while they are little. Nothing against nurseries at all but I like the idea of a more homely environment and care while they are still so small. Does the CM go to playgroups so they he gets a chance to interact with other children?

I think nursery/pre-school is great for children, especially when they get a bit older, they are probably ready for more structure and challenges at that age and so getting them the free hours when they are 3 is good.

But if it isn't broke, is there any need to change it?

donkir · 30/06/2014 11:44

I have worked in childcare for 15yrs both in a nursery and as a nanny. I chose a childminder for my son. Mainly because there was more one on one care plus if cm only has a few children they can get out and about eg parks and playgroups which nurseries can't do.
If he's happy and your happy I'd leave him where he is.

CustardFromATin · 30/06/2014 11:42

Fwiw I'd prefer a good cm over a nursery, for some flexibility and slightly fewer bugs about, but it is SO dependent on the cm and on your situation, it's hard to tell without lots more detail!

CustardFromATin · 30/06/2014 11:40

Is he very happy with the cm? What age are the other kids who will join? Is there a big price difference? Or a big difference in travel time?