Not sure on what to do - childminder can’t take on new baby

[Okowthatreallyhurts]

DD1 (nearly 11 months old) has been going to her childminder since she was 7 months old and has settled really well there.

Currently expecting DD2 in May and our childminder cannot take on DD2 because of numbers.

I’m unsure of where to go from here. Our current childminder is amazing and DD1 is really settled there. I don’t want to lose her as a childminder.

I know we’ve got ages to decide as DD2 isn’t here yet and I’ll be going on maternity leave for about 7 months.

I’m not really sure what my options are now🤷‍♀️ Do I send DD2 to another childminder (who may not be as good). Do I find a childminder for them both (although I doubt there will be any with the space) or send them both to nursery?

DD1 goes to nursery one day a week but I’m
Not hugely keen on sending DD2 there 3 days a week. At least DD1 gets variety at her childminders house...

Can dd1 go more days at nursery from when you go back to work and dd2 go to the childminder? If I've done my maths right dd1 will be 22 months when you go back to work.

Ooo thank you. I didn’t think of that! That could work

So you'd need childcare from December? It's a way off, and things can change with the children she cares for - if she knows you are really keen to take up any spot, then hopefully she'll offer you first refusal on places.

Your childminder could also ask for a variation in numbers, if she was willing to do so.

Meantime, put down both for nursery places. When your DC1 is coming closer to 2, you might find more time at nursery is a good thing, and that would 'free up' her place at your childminder for DC2?

As above things may change in her business. Have you discussed it with her? Regulations have changed and she can now self vary if shes confident she can meet the needs of all the children.