So do I go for a childminder or nursery???? am so torn

you will find info here

CIS

but with a child minder it can raise jealousy issues .. you obviously want your child to love them... but you better!

If you contact your local Childrens Information Service they will have details of local CM's.

I personally wouldn't use a nursery for a little one. Like the whole bonding with one person thing.

I have had a horrible experience with a CM, but I changed to another and never looked back.

Also see if it's possible to use one that is networked with the NCMA. They are checked 6 weekly instead of once a year with Ofsted. I am not saying that they are better childminders necessarily but they all get together and know each other and I would say it weeds out the bad ones. You could also try talking to the network coordinator for NCMA in your area. She will know all of the CMS and may be able to recommend one.

also just to add if anyone wants to view a nursery turn up announced rather than make an appointment!
and just so i dont sound totally one sided im sure there are alot of terrible cms out there too!

of course haily.........to name just a few.......
a 6month old baby having its hands sellotaped (yes sellotaped) together to stop it crawling away when the evil cow who was meant to be looking after it wanted to sit and chill out.
i have been left in a baby room on my own (where the ratio is 3-1) with 14 babies all under one.
all nurseries ive worked at gave the "im such a lovely caring person" attitude to the parents faces but when the doors closed and parents are gone its a very different matter.
on the same note,childrens daily reports were written untruthly to make the parents happy and not giving a true account of what the childs day was REALLY like.
children as young as 16mnths not being given a snack/drink as they couldnt say "ta" when prompted.
the list is endless haily.
i really dont want to offend anyone but you did ask for some experiences and im giving them to you HONESTLY.
these are my personal experiences and i urge any parent who uses or is intending to use a nursery to fully investigate it first.
im sure alot of nurseries are great!

smeeinit - can i ask what kind of bad experiences? I am not jumping down anyones neck just am interested :-)

Having put ds in a nursery when he was 7mos (and where he was very happy), then had a nanny and now about to switch to a childminder, I'd say it's more about the people than the setting. And about the age of your child.

The problem with nurseries is the people can change. That's why I took ds out - the two people he loved left and staff turnover suddenly rocketed. Much less emotional security. Don't think I'd put a baby in a nursery again, tbh.

Obviously nannies and childminders vary - interviewed six childminders before choosing nursery and wouldn't have left ds with any of them, tbh. But as long as you choose someone you trust, I'd be happier with either of those for a baby. Ds is now going to school 2.5 hours a day and will be going to a childminders in the mornings. He's been desperate to go to both since we visited. In fact childminder's not brilliant for me in terms of hours but went for it anyway as clearly the best option for ds. Luckily I'm freelance so can probably make it work.

at the risk of upsetting more people i have to say im with nannyl on this one.
ive worked in 4 different nurserys and have seen some applaling and very disturbing things in each one,(all of which were reported to ofsted)
my post is not intended to upset anybody or cause guilt/upset/anger as taylormum says BUT this is my view and this view is taken from experience and first hand knowledge.
i would never ever reccomend a nursery.

whatever you decide check out loads of nurseries and childminders first and speak to other parents ... also beware as some CMs and Nurseries have long waiting lists.

i thought about both and went for a nursery in the end because less issues with illness (ie if CM is ill), more activties etc etc. I chose a nursery with a small baby room (only up to 8 babies) and they are flexible in when they move up a room. Also DS can stay as there is a pre-school so the continuity of care is great.
Nanny L - that is a really shocking comment - not helpful and liable to induce guilt/upset/anger in mums. I understand everyone is entitled to their opinions but that just sounds like babies are going to be miserable at nursery or worse.
My DS loves his nursery - is very happy and content and developmentally has come on so much since he has been going. The staff are all lovely with him - very cuddly ... i think it was the best choice for us.

I would just like to say, i find what you say 'NannyL' quite harsh. My dd (7 months) is now going to nursery, and she really enjoys it. The people there are lovely, when i drop her off she smiles and when i pick her up she is always in a good mood! I am not saying CM's arent any good, but my area is pretty rough, so i prefer my dd to be in an environment where i know she is safe rather than walking around this area, with a CM. Also as my dd only has me as a 'parentfigure' i think the social interraction she receives from the staff there is actually quite good (and children of course). And i completely disagree with it being a factory.
I am not saying which one is right or wrong as i think it is up to the baby/child and how happy/content they are, i just think some people could be a little more open minded..
and sorry dont want to offend anyone with this post.

personally you couldnt pay me to send my own child to a nursary.... at least not a child under about 3 years

have seen with my eyes some awful things in nursarys (tho have never myself worked in one)

would definitley go for a childminder out of the 2!

also have lots of friends who have (or still do) worked in nursarys and not one of us would sen our own babies to nursary... full stop.

oh I remember it well.... LOL

If you do a school run ask around, someone will defintitely know one! or be able to recommend someone.

Message withdrawn

You could always phone a few up and maybe interview a couple. There is no need to go with them if you are unsure.
They all have a portfolio with references from previous parents. Most will be happy for you to phone them up to ask about her too.

Yes two of my firends had used her previously. My current ones I got from childcarelink (or something like that) on the website.

I have always used CM as they can provide the closest to what they get at home. The first CM i used is like a member of my family. My current CMs (yes I have two ) are both great as well! When you interview them go with your instincts.