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Childminder or nursery for 18m old

8 replies

IndiaHi · 04/07/2019 15:58

Going back to work and not sure whether I should go for a childminder or a nursery.

How do you choose!!!

OP posts:
JellyNo15 · 04/07/2019 16:04

Visit both types of settings to get a feel

PopWentTheWeasel · 04/07/2019 16:19

What hours will you work, what money do you want to pay, and what is important to you?

We use a nursery as I had to go back to work FT when DD was 6 months old. We couldn't find a local childminder with space for an under-1 so our choice was between nurseries. They're all more expensive than childminders though, but tend to do more age specific activities.

If they're with a CM, they're likely to spend more time doing the school run each day and going to activities which may not be best suited to them e.g. toddler groups aimed more at the minder's slightly older children, so there is a fair bit of playing "tag along". The CMs at my DS' school also attend class assemblies to see the children they mind, but they bring along the littlies they mind as well. It's up to you whether you think this is something you'd like your baby to be doing.

Our nursery is in another village so DD will not go to school with anyone she knows from nursery, whereas a baby at a local childminder's is more likely to go to school with someone else from the CM, or children from the loca toddler group. If you have a tight commute, if the CM is near to you, geographically, it's handy to drop and run. CMs are also more likely to take children with lurgies, such as chicken pox, if they know everyone else has already had it. Nurseries will expect you to keep baby at home, which will affect your annual leave.

mindutopia · 04/07/2019 16:22

Personally, I prefer a nursery as I think they tend to have more resources and more hands on deck. A childminder working alone with however many children won’t necessarily be able to rock a poorly child to sleep, but a nursery with 5 staff on hand can likely find a free lap for a cuddle.

I also really appreciated the established links to primary school that our nursery could provide. We used a private (not school) nursery, but there was one staff person who liaised with schools. She took the children for a visit to the school after they’d been offered a place. She arranged all the transfer of information, had meetings with the reception teacher and even came to visit and check that everyone was settling in during the first term. I can’t imagine a childminder would be able to do that.

But it really comes down to the options where you live. You might only have rubbish nurseries and some amazing childminders, so I would just do your research and see what seems like a good fit.

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BumandChips · 04/07/2019 16:27

Mine went to a nursery as they don’t get sick or have holidays. They loved their nursery. You have to shop around though and decide which fits you and your children best whichever decision you make. I visited a few nurseries based on local recommendations.

SuzieQ10 · 04/07/2019 16:31

Childminder's. Home-from-home setting is nice for small children. And you won't have to worry about staff turn over / agency workers.. there will be a simpler, closer relationship with a childminder and small group of children.

Go and get a feel for different settings and people.

MindyStClaire · 04/07/2019 16:37

I didn't even consider a childminder, for the reasons above - didn't want to cover CM's holidays and sick days, and wanted DD in with children her own age with age appropriate activities.

A friend's kids had been with the same children all the way to school and I liked that idea (although of course it's pot luck as to whether people actually stay). However, another friend had used a childminder, her kids are now teens and she doesn't need childcare any more but that woman is family to them. That's very convincing the other way, but again takes luck.

DD is in nursery, she's 15 months and is there nearly 6 months now. It's worked brilliantly for her so far. But of course, it depends so much on the child and on the setting. I'd advise viewing as many places as possible to get a feel, and trusting your instinct.

IndiaHi · 04/07/2019 17:26

Thanks. I've visited lots of nurseries and really liked one. I will only be working 2 days so not anywhere near full time.

OP posts:
Gertie75 · 04/07/2019 17:38

Childminder, more one on one attention, can still have naps, home environment, no competing for attention, quieter.

Both of mine went to a childminder until they turned 3 then did one full year of nursery to prepare them for school.

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