Aibu to switch from nursery to a childminder?

[Haypanky]

Hi, that's it in a nutshell.

Dd is 3yr 8mth and well settled at nursery, but I would like her to go to the local preschool which is attached to her future school. I can't do the 3pm pick up, so would need a childminder for 3-5.

Other reasons are that nursery is missing a manager at the mo and the kids are running a bit feral, plus with the hot summer they are outside a lot (which is good) but Dd comes back very tired and spends the next 2 days recovering. Meaning she's tatty as heck!

Ds is 14mths and is also happy at nursery, but his sleep is an issue. He wakes crying most nights and is difficult to console and go back to sleep for a few hrs. Tried everything, even a sleep consultant. Conclusion really is that he's overtired. At nursery Mon-Wed he tends to do x2 very short naps, 20-40mins. Compared to at home, x2 1.5hr naps, very easy to get down. So I am wondering whether he may sleep better in a more home type environment.

The down sides are really about uprooting the kids when they're both settled. Dd in particular has her best friend at nursery. The staff there are lovely. The arrangement works well logistically.

I'm really quite confused so interested in views. In particular, have no experience of childminders so would welcome tips on what to look for in a good one / look out for.

Thanks mn! 😁

Both types of settings work to the same standards (EYFS) and are inspected (often by the same inspectors) by OFSTED and the grading criteria are the same. Obviously a childminder tends to be more homely and can be more flexible to a child's individual routines (some nurseries are also able to do this) so it wont be detrimental educationally (assuming you choose a good childminder).
Your eldest will have to leave this setting at some point to go to preschool/school and will make new friends whom she may spend the next 8 years plus with, you can keep her existing friendships going if you put the effort in. It would be easier for her if she is transitioned to one setting at a time and not moved to 2 new ones at the same time, the cm may also already have children attending the new setting and may well do school pick ups from that school aiding familiarity.
Your youngest will settle especially if she starts with her sister.

Look out for someone you feel comfortable with and who is warm and welcoming to your children and existing children seem well bonded with.
Someone who does a good range of activities and can explain why they do things, a school run can be fun and educational for example.
Good references, you may meet other parents if you are there at pick up's.
Someone who does on going training and keeps up to date - they should be able to evidence things - first aid (3 yearly) and safeguarding are mandatory do they do anything else?
read their Ofsted report - judge how important what it says is to you rather than the rating (assuming its good or outstanding).

Thank you v much for this!

I think as long as you make the move positively your children should settle easily. Talk it up to the children, all the fun things they will be doing and that they will be together at the childminder. They will make new friends, so please don’t worry about your dd leaving her best friend, how many of us are still in contact with our best friends from preschool?

I prioritise naps for the majority of our days (different in school holidays) but I find (as you have) that children who are well rested do learn better and are much happier than those who do not get enough rest. I know a lot of other childminders who feel the same.

Your children would have to leave the nursery at some point in the near future (for school), whereas with a childminder (as long as you pick one who does pick ups at your chosen school) could be there for your family until the dc don’t need care anymore. I have one family who I have had for 8 years now, which is lovely for both the dc and me.
A childminder can be an excellent addition to your family life and if you pick the right one, your children will flourish and do really well.