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Original poster

Childcare fell through need some advice

39 replies

Cheeseandapple · 02/04/2019 15:41

Help! I am returning to work after mat leave in 3 weeks. I had a childminder in place for 3 days a week but she told me this week that she can't do it anymore. I'm back to the drawing board but urgently need to sort something permanent out.
I've found a childminder. She seems to be the only one with space in my area as I've messaged all the Ofsted registered ones. She only has one other kid with her on one of the days and no other children for two of the days. I'm slightly worried about that a. Because I want my DC with other children, learning to play etc and b. Because it strikes me as odd that all childminders are at capacity and she's here with 1 child for just 2 days a week.
So I'm also considering an au pair but worried I've got the wrong end of the stick and my DCwho is 11 months is too young?

Please share your sage advice and experience. I've got no idea what to do.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cheeseandapple · 02/04/2019 15:42

Also I just went to visit her and she had the TV on and her Ofsted is RI.

OP posts:
TeddyIsaHe · 02/04/2019 15:46

If she can’t do it, she can’t do it. No point thinking about it any further.

Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think an au pair can do a full day of childcare. I think they’re more to help out after school for a couple of hours whilst learning the native language.

Have you looked into nurseries? That might be your only option going forward. But unfortunately you might have to let work know ASAP that you’re having childcare difficulties as it is only next week, and it will be a struggle to find something now.

Gizlotsmum · 02/04/2019 15:46

When was the Ofsted done? TV on whilst prepping a meal or at the end of the day wouldn't be an issue for me. The lack of other children could be. Any nurseries? With 3 weeks you might struggle. Do you know other parents that could recommend anyone

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Childcare & nursery Families
Urgh2019 · 02/04/2019 15:46

Have you not looked at nursery’s as well?

LadyR77 · 02/04/2019 16:37

I'd be looking into nurseries if I were you, OP.

YetAnotherThing · 02/04/2019 16:42

Nurseries. Not an Au pair. Au pairs are teenagers here to do a bit of housework and a bit of easy childcare whist at language school etc. More like students than nannies. You could go for a nanny even if it’s short term until you can find something better in long term (nursery, childminder etc). Nanny agencies might help with short notice but will cost.

INeedNewShoes · 02/04/2019 16:44

I'd look at nurseries. They're much more reliable in more ways than just their availability.

Gilbert1A · 02/04/2019 17:11

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JassyRadlett · 02/04/2019 17:14

I really wouldn't let it put you off, and please please don't go for a nursery. A good CM is much better than a good nursery for that age especially

🙄

An excellent nursery with low ratios is likely to be better than an RI childminder who uses the telly as a babysitter, and a lot more reliable that OP’s experience with childminders to date.

INeedNewShoes · 02/04/2019 17:22

My DD who was silent on every pick up from her (highly recommended) childminder and never settled despite us persevering for months has flourished at nursery. The staff are excellent. I trust them implicitly and my daughter has enjoyed so many new experiences there.

I had thought I couldn't bear the idea of a baby going to nursery but if I have another child they will definitely go to nursery rather than a childminder from the outset.

There's something to be said for being surrounded by children the same age in their room at nursery, doing age appropriate activities.

DD seemed to be scared of children during her time with the childminder and I can't help thinking that it just didn't suit her to be taken to toddler groups with the CM when she was barely even crawling. Some babies would love this but it wasn't right for my DD. The CM and the CM's other children were by all accounts lovely with my DD but I think it was overwhelming for her being with older more boisterous children.

Nursery have worked hard with DD to build her confidence with other children and they have worked on various other things with her as well. The staff seem to know every trick in the book!

Sorry. A bit of an essay but having moved away from the 'babies need childminders' camp I need to defend nurseries.

Original poster
Cheeseandapple · 02/04/2019 17:30

Ok some food for thought. Au pair definitely isn't right at the moment. I feel nervous about a nursery at this age, I'd rather she were a bit older. Think we'll go for the new au pair and then nursery within the year. Thanks for all your help!

OP posts:
BlueEyedPersephone · 02/04/2019 17:59

Don't use this childminder, lack of other children speaks volumes, nurseries are a good alternative, why are you worried?

SillyBub · 02/04/2019 18:03

I really think you should go and visit nurseries to at least get an idea of what they're about. Both of mine were there from 11 months and they thrived. I visited lots and chose the one that suited their needs, which happened to be a smaller seeing. They were all very different.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 02/04/2019 18:06

lack of other children speaks volumes,

Does it? I’m an childminder and about to lose two children for genuine reasons so taking enquiries to fill those spots. I’m graded outstanding and never have trouble filling spaces usually.

MynameisJune · 02/04/2019 18:07

DD went to nursery from 11 months, they were amazing with her. She is 3 now and loves her nursery, has never cried at drop off and runs in.

I’d rather use a Nursery than a CM with no other children. At 11 months old your daughter can’t tell you what’s happened during the day and I’d be reticent leaving her alone with someone I barely know. A nanny is different as they are generally in your own home and come with lots of qualifications.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 02/04/2019 18:13

lack of other children speaks volumes,

Does it? I’m an childminder and about to lose two children for genuine reasons so taking enquiries to fill those spots. I’m graded outstanding and never have trouble filling spaces usually.

HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 02/04/2019 18:13

lack of other children speaks volumes

I would normally disagree but if every other childminder is full except this one then the fact she had so many spaces would certainly raise questions.

I agree with previous posters that a nursery would probably be a more viable option especially with only 3 weeks before you go back to work. I would ring around a few and see if they will allow you to look round. 11 months certainly isn't too young to go to a nursery and it sounds like it would be more stimulating that being alone with the childminder for 2/3 of her days.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 02/04/2019 18:14

Apologies for the double post!

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 02/04/2019 18:15

and come with lots of qualifications.

Actually childminders are more likely to be qualified than nannies.

CaptSkippy · 02/04/2019 18:18

What about the father? Is it impossible for him to pitch in? It's his child too.

MynameisJune · 02/04/2019 18:18

Really? Because all the CM I know have just decided to do it so they can look after their own children. Yet the nannies I know have degrees in early years childcare, but each to their own. If I remember rightly you’re a CM and don’t take kindly to people having a different opinion of CM’s to you? Or have I confused you with someone else?

HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 02/04/2019 18:22

Actually childminders are more likely to be qualified than nannies.

Really? I would say 80% of the childminders around here have started up after having their own children so they can make an income and look after their child. I don't for a second doubt they do a good job but compared to nannies who all seem to have early years training, qts or child care related degrees I don't think they are more likely to be qualified than nannies.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 02/04/2019 18:22

I am a childminder and just wishing to clarify misunderstandings I read. No problem with differing opinions but frustrating to have your industry bashed with somewhat incorrect information.

PrincessScarlett · 02/04/2019 18:35

What did you think of the new CM? Did you think she was nice and friendly or did you get a bad vibe?

The TV being on is not necessarily a huge problem. I know several outstanding CMs that allow 20 mins of TV while they are preparing food or need to speak to a parent.

The RI rating is not good but it could be that they haven't got their paperwork in order and doesn't actually reflect the level of care they provide.

Also CM do mix with other CMs and local groups as well as taking children out on trips so your child would still be mixing with other children.

You should have raised all this when you met the CM so she could explain herself rather than all the second guessing and assuming.

Also, are you able to go on a waiting list for your preferred CM?

Hollowvictory · 02/04/2019 18:40

Surely a nursery with qualified staff who are supervised and a large range of activity wld be better than an unqualified au pair.

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