If you have worked in a childcare setting such as nursery or as a childminder..,

[Indecisivenessstrikes]

...do you feel that most 1 year olds can really enjoy and get a lot out of nursery, even if only in for two sessions a week? I know it must depend on the child, I imagine many 2 and 3 year olds benefit, but I couldn't see much research around 1 year olds particularly. I have seen friend's 1 year olds thriving at nursery so I know they often do, but can't decide what is best for my DD long term.

My 1 year old is only in two sessions and I was worried about whether they were settling but today was much better. The possibility of a family member helping instead has just come up and I was about to hand in our notice today (drafted email ready)but then she seemed happier this morning and more settled so now I'm just not sure what is best. I like the nursery but had wondered before if a childminder would be a better fit. She has only been going for a month and now I'm really unsure what's best. I'd love to hear from those that work with this age group particularly.

20 years in childcare, nanny/nursery nurse.

Yes 1 year old can and do get a lot out of nursery life but they can get just as much from family support.

It's more about the activities you do with them to support their learning/socialising.

How long is two sessions? If it’s just two mornings that’s not much at that age to get settled. Depending on child can take disproportionate amount of time to get used staff every week. Having said that of
Course lots to get out of nursery. Most parents don’t typical do a-lot messy play activities or have similar age children to play with. All their attention is on the kids and having fun.

Pros and cons for childminder as well, nursery’s don’t go sick or need holidays there is also another adult there so from safe guarding point of view there is that protection. Adults can bounce ideas off each other too, childminders also Likely have school run 3 times a day depending on how close school is for drop off lunch pick
Up and home time. So 10min walk in pram each way that’s 6 legs a day 60min which great in summer but not so much if baby hates rain cover and screams to get out.

They are lovely age group to work with and it’s important you feel comfortable with whatever childcare you choose. Are you thinking your child doesn’t get enough attention at nursery?

Thank you both! Yes, just two sessions. When she is more like 2 we'd be in a position to do more sessions if that's better for her. We do a lot of activities together outside of this and she has an older sibling but I need a certain number of hours experience this year which is why she has been in nursery. The benefit of that is it could increase next year whereas family support can't, so I wonder if it's best she stays in now and gets settled ready to do more later - on the flip side if two session aren't enough now I'd rather pull her out for now and start again next year with more sessions.

I was so sure we'd stop but then she seemed a bit more settled today so I wonder if it would be a mistake to take her out. It would obviously save a lot of money but I also wonder about what would happen if we ever ended up in lockdown again.

I think with childcare it's good to think of in layers rather than an either/or situation. You can have a childminder, a nursery and family all playing a part. This can help in situations where say the nursery is closed, or can't accept your kid because of a minor illness (e.g. an eye infection), or a childminder gets sick or goes on holiday, or a family member gets ill. Hopefully you can use one of the other options you've been cultivating.

There's a lot that your DC can gain from every sort of (good) childcare. One experience isn't better than another.