Which one would you go with?

[saywhatwhatnow]

Which childminder would you choose:

Been to see three for our 16month old who will ideally go one long day a week until Xmas, and then possibly two shorter days in the new year as I'm due DC2 so I will be on maternity leave.

1. Lovely lady, we have a mutual friend who although she doesn't know her as a childminder says she is calm, unflappable and friendly. House a little chaotic and small (confined to one room) but all the children in her care were happy and friendly and well behaved. Food seemed to be quick and easy. 5min walk away so will be handy on mat leave as I can walk. Can offer me the day and hours I want. Immediate start.

1. Nearer to DH work so he could do drop off and pick up where possible. I would have to drive there too, 15mins each way. Lovely lady, fantastic setting, all set out and well cared for, excellent safe garden and lots of lovely toys. Only has before and after school children atm, so DS would be the only child during the day. I feel this is kind of defeating the object of him going to a social setting, although nothing to say she won't get more kids soon. Cooks from scratch everyday. Can offer days and hours I want immediately.

1. A larger setting with 3 childminders working together, like a mini nursery which I think is great. Lots of children of all ages, free flow through the whole of the downstairs. Lots of activities like yoga and lots of outdoor play. Food seemed good and freshly cooked. 30min walk or 5min drive. Cant offer me a long day but could give me a shorter day or two immediately (which will be fine when I'm on maternity leave but not ideal now!).

Help! Which do you think you would go for? All the same price

I’d go with number 1. It would be great not to have to use the car.

Forgot to say only 3 would do drop of and pick up from our primary school.

Will you need them to do longer days/school runs eventually?

When I first returned to work and DD was 11 months, she went to a childminder like your no 1. It was a perfect transition for her from being with me full time to having more social interaction and a homely feeling setting.

Now she is 2, she goes to one like your no 3 (with 2 childminders plus occasional assistant). They are more flexible with activities - one works with preschoolers on their curriculum whilst others watch babies etc. They have more scope to follow the children's interests. Having a dedicated playroom also means they can do messy activities and have parties etc.

She loves interacting with younger babies and the older before/after school children. We've also never had any issue with them having to close due to illness as they juggle staffing between them.

With the age of your DC, I would go with no 3. I feel it's the best parts of being with a childminder (secure attachment and personal care) but also the good bits of nursery such as larger space, more children etc. It would also mean you won't have to change once DC are at school.

@Gizlotsmum yes eventually I would. I'm aware this is quite a while away though!!

@burblife that's really interesting that you moved her. I'm definitely torn between 1 and 3. I like two as the setting is great but can't be faffed with all the driving I don't think.

3 - you seem to like it best, convenient for school and 2 days is loads better for your DD than 1 day at that age.

@ChildminderMum I probably do like it best as it ticks a lot of boxes (social, short journey, nice food, lots of outdoor/fun activities, pick up from our primary) but they can't offer the long days now, and possibly not even in the future. They are totally full with before and after school kids, and 9.30-2.30 won't work when I go back to work so I'm worried I'll have to move him then.

Number 1 for now then and go on the waiting list for number 3 for if/when they can offer full days or when your DD starts school.

I'd do 1 for a little bit, and then go with 3 on a waiting list. When they are little the small confined space is great as they don't move around as much, but once they get proper moving the space will be brilliant and the socialisation even better.

Also, having 3 childminders clubbing together means that if 1 is off poorly/holiday your DC can still attend.

Also, having 3 childminders clubbing together means that if 1 is off poorly/holiday your DC can still attend.
Not if they're full, you can only have a max of 6 children under 8 per adult.

Think we're going for 1 as I think it's probably the best option for now, hoping she's still got a space! Chatted with DH and we've decided we can reassess in a year if we think he needs a busier environment.

1. It’s close

If 3 picks up from local school but is 30min walk - how close are they to you or school

Plus

You may not get into that school

I wouldn’t worry about what will happen in 3 yrs time for school now

And tbh if you are having no 2 you may swap to a nanny instead of cm

@Blondeshavemorefun We are basically on one side of the catchment and they on the other. There's a big recreation ground (and the school) in between so quite a nice walk but possibly not twice a day. Hoping no.1 has space still!