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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

So do I go for a childminder or nursery???? am so torn

61 replies

justJAM · 12/01/2007 19:30

Any info, pros/cons greatly recieved

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

S88AHG · 12/01/2007 19:44

Iam a CM so maybe a bit biased but generally CM can be a bit more flexible than a nursery and more 1 on 1 attention but nursery will be mixing with many more children ( and catching many more bugs!) Depends what you want from childcare really

ladyoflincoln · 12/01/2007 19:57

i am a childminder too, so biased again BUT a childminder is a constant person for your little one to bond with, and can also offer a varied day - for example i might go to park, visit friends, go to library, go swimming, stay at home and play, go on the bus into town and meet some other cm's for lunch etc. etc.

at nursery, different activities may be offered but that is usually where the child stays all day, and also lots of different people may care for a child during their time there, so it's less 'personal'.

quite a few friends have told me they chose nursery because they were worried about what to do if a childminder was ill or on holiday - but lots of childminders i know provide cover for one another in these situations.

have you looked at any childcare yet? maybe you could go and see some nurseries and some childminders and see if you get and instinctive feel of what is right for your child(ren) - after all, you know them best

hope this helps, sorry its long winded

bandstand · 12/01/2007 19:59

i know all the pros of c/m but had a veyr limited choice... plus i found i didnt actualy get on fantastically with her or her partner. changed to a nursery in the end, which was lovely.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:00

My heart says CM - nursery seems more like a factory to me, but, my friend had a bad experience and it has worried me a little, I know most CM's are kind and lovely, but after my friends problem, how do I know the seemingly lovely CM i choose isn't mean behind closed doors with no one to see her?
Sorry if this sounds harsh, I honestly know most CM's are great (I had a lovely CM as a child who I still know now I have DD) I'm just so worried about picking a bad one.

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Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:02

thanks for the help....I think it is a good idea to go and get a feel like you say

OP posts:

tribpot · 12/01/2007 20:03

I'm in the CM camp as well. I much prefer the knowledge that ds is in a family environment and not what - as you say - can seem like a bit of a factory. Yes there is more of a trust issue, so you have to feel confident in your choice. As ladyoflincoln says, you need to go with your instincts. Okay, your friend had a bad experience but I wouldn't rule CMs out entirely on that basis.

rookiemum · 12/01/2007 20:05

It also depends what age your child is and to some extent how many days you will be working and what sort of hours.

As I went back 4 days I chose a CM to get the more homelike situation but if it had been 3 or less I probably would have picked nursery for the convenience.

Best way to find out if a CM is any good, get the phone number for one of the other mindees parents. Our CM got such a rave review that I booked DS in on the spot.

bandstand · 12/01/2007 20:07

i couldnt but did ask my dh to turn up early unannounced, but he never could either. but then dh wasnt happy when he did get there either..just a personal experience.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:11

I know you're right tribot..I need to make some appointments and go with my gut I guess

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Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:13

DD will be just a year and it will be 3 days a week

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ThePrisoner · 12/01/2007 20:23

I am also biased (because I'm a childminder).

As ladyoflincoln says, go and visit a few minders and sound them out. If your first visit is when there are no mindees there, and you like the childminder, make sure that you visit again when there will be children there.

I would definitely ask if you can speak to parents of current and previous mindees.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:26

Thanks, good advice, never thought of asking current mindees parents

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cece · 12/01/2007 20:32

I have always used CM as they can provide the closest to what they get at home. The first CM i used is like a member of my family. My current CMs (yes I have two ) are both great as well! When you interview them go with your instincts.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:34

was your first CM recommended cece?

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cece · 12/01/2007 20:37

Yes two of my firends had used her previously. My current ones I got from childcarelink (or something like that) on the website.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:40

see If someone could recommend one I wouldn't hesitate...but my friends all use nursery

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cece · 12/01/2007 20:42

You could always phone a few up and maybe interview a couple. There is no need to go with them if you are unsure.
They all have a portfolio with references from previous parents. Most will be happy for you to phone them up to ask about her too.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:45

Think I'll def get onto that...thanks for the info and help, much appreciated

OP posts:

shosha · 12/01/2007 20:46

Message withdrawn

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:51

good idea! Need one in brentwood, essex, maybe I should start a new thread with that title????

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cece · 12/01/2007 20:53

If you do a school run ask around, someone will defintitely know one! or be able to recommend someone.

Original poster

justJAM · 12/01/2007 20:57

this is my first cece (can't you tell by my obsessive worrying ) I will start a new thread and see if that helps

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cece · 12/01/2007 21:15

oh I remember it well.... LOL

NannyL · 13/01/2007 00:15

personally you couldnt pay me to send my own child to a nursary.... at least not a child under about 3 years

have seen with my eyes some awful things in nursarys (tho have never myself worked in one)

would definitley go for a childminder out of the 2!

also have lots of friends who have (or still do) worked in nursarys and not one of us would sen our own babies to nursary... full stop.

Haily111 · 14/01/2007 09:04

I would just like to say, i find what you say 'NannyL' quite harsh. My dd (7 months) is now going to nursery, and she really enjoys it. The people there are lovely, when i drop her off she smiles and when i pick her up she is always in a good mood! I am not saying CM's arent any good, but my area is pretty rough, so i prefer my dd to be in an environment where i know she is safe rather than walking around this area, with a CM. Also as my dd only has me as a 'parentfigure' i think the social interraction she receives from the staff there is actually quite good (and children of course). And i completely disagree with it being a factory.
I am not saying which one is right or wrong as i think it is up to the baby/child and how happy/content they are, i just think some people could be a little more open minded..
and sorry dont want to offend anyone with this post.

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