Sob my 10mth old mindee is leaving to go to nursery!! Please read.

[childminderjanet]

My 10mth old mindee who I have had since 5weeks old gave notice yesterday. I was really shocked as his mum had mentioned nursery a couple of months ago when I decided to change my working work from full time to part time. I thought I'd done a good job of puting her off, explaining how young children are much happier/develop better with one loved carer rather than being in an institution riding along on the baby jail conveyer belt (Have you guessed I hate nurserys) I said to her back then that if I couldn't have her baby then I would be able to recommend another childminder. I know she doesn't have a problem with the care I give her baby and she was very upset when she told me and said her husband wants the baby to go to nursery as it will be better for his development. I am an NNEB qualified nursery nurse with 20 yrs experience graded outstanding by Ofsted. I really love my job and work very hard to give the children I childmind the best care possible. Maybe this is just hitting me hard as its the first mindee to ever leave I've only been a registered childminder for a year and normally I would have a child from birth to school. I'm not sure what my next move is I can easily fill his place that's not a problem, but I just feel so bad in not doing anything and just letting him be sent to nursery.
What would you do? Take this on the chin or put up a bit more of a fight?

true. If there was some other reason than fair enough.

I don't mind what reasons a parent has to pay for me to care for their child - because they have to or want to work, or if they want some "me" time (wish I'd thought of that when mine were little!)

I do know of childminders who totally disapprove of parents who want childcare just to have time for themselves, and have even refused to mind children for that reason!

franca70 - I think your reasons for needing childcare are perfectly acceptable. I've had several children whose mums were in the same boat.

I'm a childminder and feel it is completly up to the parent what they feel is best for the child. I have become good friends with members of nursey staff with my NVQ 3 training and would never say I do it better. We are all different and have different views, wants and needs. As long as the child is well looked after thats all that matters

I'm sorry you feel so upset about mindie leaving but it is a business and it could always happen. I live on RAF camp and have a huge turn around of children due to postings and it is hard when they get very settled but (especialy for me) it's a given they will move on.

It is up to the parents where they send their child. I am sure they have their own reasons. You can't force the mum to listen to you.

Feel very cross at some of the anti-nursery comments on here TBH. Unless you have been in every one how can you really say they are all bad? Surely same can be said for allf orms of child care if that is the case.

As a mum, I have always used a nursery. I chose nursery over other forms of childcare as it was what felt right for me and my child. Ad, for us, I was right, the nursery was perfect and we had no need to complain ever. DD was loved and cared for in a small and friendly environment. It was wonderful!

Don;t tr all places with the same brush.