Do I keep looking?

[OhToBeASeahorse]

DS, 2.3 had been with a CM for over a year and she is amazing. The care he receives is brilliant.

We have now had DD. CM feels that when DS is 3 he is going to need a preschool - that's fine, I see her point.

Great preschool down the road. I was hoping I could find a CM who could take both DD and DS and take DS to preschool. But I cant.

The CM is out of my way for work. When there are 2 of them it just isnt feasible.

I feel like DS is going to need more than a CM but I hate the idea of DD in a big nursery at 11 months..

I have found a very very small nursery (basically a CM with a couple of staff).

I just feel so sad that DD wont have the same experience as DS - being taken out for trips etc.

Anybody have any experiences or advice?

Hi op,

Would the CM with a couple of staff not take your little one out and about? I don't see why they wouldn't but obviously you have researched them more than me! I would favour the CM with assistants over the nursery for the youngest.
Would a nanny be cost effective? It often is with 2 children. They would be able to take your son to pre school too.

Otherwise, how would two drop offs work? Would that be an option?

No apparently they dont take them out which surprised me as our current one does

2 drop offs could work its just our CM is out of the way - it would make our day undeniably longer.

How common are pt nannies? I'd love that

I find it strange that your current childminder has said go to preschool now, with everything that's going on. In normal times I have 3/4 year olds and am able to stretch them sufficiently - I teach them letters and how to read before school if they are interested and meet up with other cms with older children - obvs can't do this now. I know people get concerned about being school ready, but the longer they can be outside running about the better. Reception in most schools is just like nursery

She has said September. The other children also the same age are lesving then too

Most of my mindees don't go to nursery and stay to reception soi don't understand your cm.
Id keep looking there will be a setting that suits you.

@OhToBeASeahorse

No apparently they dont take them out which surprised me as our current one does

2 drop offs could work its just our CM is out of the way - it would make our day undeniably longer.

How common are pt nannies? I'd love that

Really common. I am one. For many years now I've worked several part time nanny jobs. It works well and also means I can have a but of variety with my week as well.

I completely appreciate her honesty. She will have 2 small babies and doesnt feel she can provide DS with the stimulation he needs. It's a bugger but I'd rather her be honest

Fair enough good luck finding something

Thanks - it's a bloody nightmare with lockdown!