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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

nursery, childminder... decisions decisions!

27 replies

ojmummy · 25/03/2010 15:35

hi, after some advice.

I will be returning to work in Sept & its looking like I will have to work 5 days My DS will be just over 8 months by then.

Just wondering what the best childcare choices will be, my Mum has offered to do one day per week. I have been to look round a local nursery (Ofsted 'good' in 2007) which seemed nice, I have also met a childminder who seems lovely but Ofsted gave her Satisfactory recently, and on the report it says children cannot use backgarden - I am assuming that its not childfriendly but I didnt question her about this when we met as I had a million other things going round my head. There are other childminders in the area too & I will see at least 1 or 2 more.

I need to drop off at 8.15am and pick up at 3.40pm so a relatively shortish day, a CM would work out cheaper as I will just pay for the hours I need rather than paying a nursery until 6 but not needing it until 6.

On the other hand I like the idea that DS will have other children his own age to play with at nursery & that they will have tons of toys/activities which he may not get at home or with CM. Also if I needed to go to supermarket or something I have the option of leaving DS in nursery until 6 if I needed to/wanted to.

What do you think about one day with my Mum, 3 in nursery and 1 with CM (or 2 nursery, 2 CM)? Do you think this would be too confusing for DS? Just thinking it would save a bit of £, give him some care in a family environment (CM) and also make friends etc within the nursery.

Sorry for the waffle! Hope this makes sense, just finding it really hard to decide whats best!

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Original poster
ojmummy · 25/03/2010 18:58

hi thanks rosiegirl, I'm not too bothered about the CMs satisfactory, didnt mean my post to make it sounds as though I was - more concerned about the garden but I do need to speak to her about this if I decide she's the CM for me. She goes to the park regularly from what she said, & does school runs most days so my DS would be getting out pretty much every day even if it wasnt actually to the park IYSWIM

OP posts:
RosieGirl · 25/03/2010 16:26

Children cannot use my back garden as I have a very large pond and lots of "unsafe" things. Instead they allow me to use my front garden which is also large and enclosed, does she have anything similar? It's worth asking further questions such as does she make sure children go out daily if she doesn't have access to a garden?

I also had my inspection in 2007 and gained an outstanding, this was pre-EYFS, so am not really expecting the same again as I am not comfortable with the amount of paperwork now required.

Satisfactory will not mean she isn't a good childminder, it's more important to feel comfortable and go with your instinct. Also ask if she can provide references from other parents which will give you more confidence.

I wouldn't split the care up too much mum + another carer would be enough.

Does the childminder look after other children or go to playgroups or meet with other minders?

It may be worth making a list to ask the other CM's you are visiting and asking for a 2nd visit at a different time if you are not sure. Its good that you are visiting different minders, which will give you more idea on what you prefer

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