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Nursery to childminder

5 replies

GusMo · 21/03/2025 17:27

Switching from Nursery to a Childminder – Our Experience
After months of dealing with constant illnesses, accidents, and a lack of communication from the nursery, we’ve finally decided to make a change and move to a childminder.
My son has been getting sick almost every other week, usually with a fever of 38.5°C. The first warm day arrived, and I found him outside sitting on the ground in just a t-shirt, eating snacks. Another time, he was running through water barefoot—who knows for how long—and, sure enough, the next day, he was sick again.
The final straw was picking him up one evening to find him crying, with the nursery worker casually telling me that he had been crying for an hour, saying his tummy hurt. Yet, no one had called me to let me know.
Then there were the endless accident reports—stories of children fighting over toys, pushing each other, and injuries ranging from scratches and bruises to bumps on the head. Every time, I was told they had seen it happening but never stepped in before it escalated.
He will be 3!
So, I made the decision to switch to a childminder, hoping for a more attentive and caring environment.
I’d love to hear from other parents whose children attend a childminder instead of a nursery. How was the transition for your child? Was it a positive or negative experience? Let’s share our stories!

OP posts:
ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 21/03/2025 17:31

You think he got sick from being barefoot in water and not wearing trousers on a warm day?

Good luck to your new childminder.

BurntBroccoli · 21/03/2025 17:50

My 2 moved from a private nursery to a childminder and it was sooo much better.

For my son, the nursery was too noisy and overstimulating - childminder’s in comparison was peaceful. Childminder was also well educated and used to cook lovely meals.

If you can’t find a childminder could you try the local school nursery?

GusMo · 21/03/2025 17:53

We have found a childminder, i just want to know how other kids adopt in their new setting and what is parents experience better or worse:)

thank you

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Haruka · 21/03/2025 17:53

It really depends on the CM and the nursery setting. My own experience,

Positives:

  • slightly more flexible with times
  • fewer illnesses (I used to have mine sent home for 48h on one loose nappy; the CM was a bit more reasonable and monitored before sending home)
  • a more homely environment with stronger bonds
  • if you choose well, a seamless transition from childcare to wraparound care
  • often cheaper
Negatives:
  • if the CM is ill, you're stuffed for childcare
  • CMs will take holidays and there will be no cover rota unless you find someone with reciprocal agreements (though those only work for older children who do not count in mandated ratios)
  • twice we've had the CM quit childminding with 6 weeks notice to all parents

I've had good and bad on both sides. Your relationship with a childminder will be of utmost importance, and nurseries can be a bit more forgiving there. It all really depends on your needs.

GusMo · 21/03/2025 17:53

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime Don’t be silly

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