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

Original poster

Can someone explain the advances of childminder over nursery to me?

33 replies

sourpatchkid · 20/10/2017 08:12

I thought it might be smaller rations but I believe childminders are 1 adult to 8 children and my local nursery is 1 adult to 3 (under 2 years)

The nursery isn’t right for DS but is chilldminder different?

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Original poster
sourpatchkid · 20/10/2017 09:34

Thanks 😊 seriously looking into it now

OP posts:
2014newme · 20/10/2017 09:16

If childminder is ill, or her child is, you need a backup.

ColourofMagic · 20/10/2017 09:15

I had this dilemma recently (been back at work a month). We decided to go for a childminder mainly due to the home from home, DD is so little, I felt she'd do better with one person taking care of her. I'm delighted as she's so happy there, she goes in and waves us off after kisses! But if you do go for a childminder make sure you visit a few and go with one that "fits"

Original poster
sourpatchkid · 20/10/2017 08:58

Thank you! That’s so helpful

OP posts:
Toomuchocolate · 20/10/2017 08:56

Yes during school hours there will be a maximum of 3 (there are a few exceptions where this can occasionally be 4, but not allowed on a regular basis).

They manage the same as any parent would with children of different ages. They will have age appropriate toys, and generally something like the park or farm etc can appeal to a wider range of ages. Sometimes babies will have an afternoon nap and the childminder might do craft for example.

Caulk · 20/10/2017 08:29

IME childminders know the children better because it is one person caring for them rather than a team. I know two childminders and they are both brilliant at finding a mix of activities to do at home and going out to classes etc

Original poster
sourpatchkid · 20/10/2017 08:28

Thank you, more silly questions

  1. So do childminders tend to have fewer children during school hours (I could work those hours so he’s in a smaller group)
  1. Isn’t it hard managing such a diverse age range? How to they manage?
OP posts:
Toomuchocolate · 20/10/2017 08:18

They have different ratios to nurseries. It's one child under 1 (except twins), maximum of 3 under 5 years in total. Up to 6 in total under 8.

For example a childminder could have an 8 month old, a two year old and a three year old during school hours plus three children after school (all school age) as their maximum.

Benefits include a home from home environment, they will probably be out everyday e.g. Toddler group, library, park etc. Easier to form an attachment to the childminder over multiple nursery workers. Usually they are more flexible than nursery, they can cater to individual preferences more easily.

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