Nursery v childminder? idea of costs

[fifitot]

Unfortunately need to return to work when DS 8 months. Was looking at a local nursery where DD already does after school club. The fees add up to apx £800 pm for when DS is in nursery full time and DD does after school. (I know....horrible mummy, how guilty do I feel....).

Anyway was wondering about a childminder instead esp as DS so young. It would be 5 days 9-5 and also DD pick up from school 3.30 to 5.

Is this likely to be more or less expensive than nursery? I live in the North West if that helps.

Any advice? Thanks.

Have you had a look on childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk and www.childcare.co.uk to see if you can establish likely costs of a childminder in your area? Also get a list of childminders from your local council and that may also indicate local prices.

It could similar price to nursery. Possibly not much in it... so consider what sort of care you want.

I think you would find a CM a little cheaper but I think Nannynick is right - there isn't likely to be a lot in it.

Thanks - will follow up the links.

Don't know about the NW. But I'm SE and its 55GBP per day for day nursery - which is mid-range for here - and 5.40GBP per hour for childminder (altho' that varies from 4-5.50 depending on who you choose).

Thing about day nurseries is its great for school hols as they stay open - so better for work (unless you can work term-time only or use up all your hol).

But CM maybe a little more flexible on sickness policies (I know my friend's CM is...altho' not sure that'd be something I'd be happy with myself) - which can be helpful for work.

My DS2 went in at 9mo....he was fine. You'll prob feel a little less guilty once you look around them and know that you've chosen the best place for them and your family circumstances. But you've got nothing to feel guilty about! It'd be great not to work - but needs must really.

thanks zam.

I live in the North-West (Greater Manchester) and we generally charge about £3.50 per hour for P/Timers and £26 per day for full-timers which includes : breakfast, lunch, snacks and tots group visits (£1.50 per session). This also covers expenses such as car fuel or bus journeys, Childminder Insurance, Ofsted Registration payments, new toys and money for buying high chairs, car seats, buggies or prams.

A local nursery charges £30 per day which (I think) includes breakfast, lunch and snacks but they also pay wages to staff from their incomings.

I have NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care and Learning, I also have first aid training, Safeguarding Children and now Food Hygiene Level 1. I have to be showing that I support the EYFS provision in my home to the children by observing them in all aspects of play.

You are not horrible fifitot, you are obviously trying to better yourself and provide for you family. Don't put yourself down.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thankyou for the info. I know I shouldn't feel guilty but it's difficult!

I am also in Gtr Mcr so your estimated costs are a useful comparison. The local nursery charges £35 per day I think so will checkout how much a cm is.

I am in East Midls and nursery was going to cost me £35 per day for my DS now aged 9months. I went with a CM who charges £3.50ph, works out a lot cheaper for me to use a CM because I pick DS up at 3.45pm, if I wasnt picking up until 5pm or later there wouldnt have been as much in it.