are there any downsides to sending ds to a childminder?

[oranges]

Serious question - I work at home and have a mothers-help type person come in and watch him a couple of days a week, but she is unreliable on times, and now ds is 1, I want to increase my work load and have more organised childcare. I am in central london where nurseries cost a fortune, and there seem to be some very reasonably priced childminders. But my mother and MIL seem horrified - say he needs a nanny or a nursery. But why? They say he wont get enough stimulation. Is that true? I thought he'd get more than in a nursery.

here is the link tpo childcarelink website

Put in postcode to get a list very quickly!

Numbers in England:

Max of 6 under 8's (if reg'd for full numbers AND this includes their own kids)
3 of which can be under 5
only 1 of which can be under 1

There are variations to these numbers at times so check each childminders certificate or ask them on the phone. This is the normal maximum though.

You're right it is way too far. I found the council lists really helpful. I visited about 8 CMs, got down to the last 2 and visited them 3 times each and then went my lovely one we still have all these years later. It's well worth doing the research for the peace of mind, she plays such a huge part in our family life.
Good luck with it