right childcare for 1-2 days?

[Chloris33]

I'm looking for childcare when I go back to work for either one full day a week, or two afternoons per week. I'm new to this, would a nanny do so few hours, do you think, and how about a childminder? Happy for nanny share with the right nanny. I'm a bit concerned that childminders can take 6 children, I personally feel this is too many, especially for the babies. Do some childminders only take just a few children? Also, any idea whether one full day or two short days is better for the child (one year old). Lots of questions, I know!
Thanks

I'm a cm. we are allowed up to six children under eight, but only three of them can be under school age (5). During term time the older ones would be at school for the majority of the day, this is when the little ones get all my attention. It does get busy after school, but the little ones love playing with the older ones and enjoy the extra attention. If you wanted a cm, could you work school hours only, so your dc was only there for the quieter parts of the day?

As MaryAnn said - the ratio most of the time would be 1:3 with a CM. It can get busier after school, but not all CMs have after school children. The older children either get on and do their own thing, or they sit and play with the little ones and make a big fuss of them. The days depend on your child. I normally recommend at least two days for a child to settle in properly and make friends, but I have cared for a couple of children one day a week who were absolutely fine.

It's only when CM have assistants and big properties that they will have as many children as I suspect you fear otherwise it will be as the two PP said.

That being said I wouldn't take anyone for that short amount of time so it may be worth looking to see if you can do 2 full days so at least make it to 18+ hours a week. (Not all CM run like me but do double check prior to visiting them)

Lots of nannies who would like a one day job if they have others

One fixed day a week may be better than two afternoons as it would fit with someone who had a 4 day a week job.

Have you looked at how much you can afford, that may determine the type of care as 1:1 care in your home is more costly generally than group care.

Also look at the hours needed, group providers will have fixed operating hours, a nanny may be prepared to work a 12+ hour day.

If you want a nanny then one full day a week

Can more likely to be able to do 2 afternoons

If flexible on day then more likely to find a nanny who works 3/4 days and wants 1 more

A nanny with their own small child could work. They bring child with them, and more likely to appeal to someone who only wants to work part time. Also gives your child a playmate