I'll try to answer each question as it arises in the thread so far... as there seems to be some confusion by some posters.
There are several key differences between a nanny and a childminder. I feel the key differences are:
~ A nanny cares for children, at the child's home - a childminder cares for children at the carers home.
~ A nanny is an employee, so will do as you tell them - a childminder runs a business, and you have to fit in with how that business operates. For example, a childminder may have fixed hours they work, whereas a nanny may work long hours typically 11 hours+ per day.
~ A nanny currently does not have to be registered by government (though this may change), a childminder is registered and inspected once every 3 years (though can be more often than that, and also less often).
~ A nanny can voluntarily register under Ofsted, and may be inspected (this registration is useful for parents who get Childcare Vouchers and/or Tax Credits).
~ The registered body will check a childminder's suitability (plus members of their immediate family aged 16+) to work with children. Nannies have their suitability checked by the parents and/or agency (Registered nannies will have to meet specific registration requirements). Parents employing a nanny ultimately make the recruitment decision and monitor how their employee does their job.
Note: All childcare workers these days have an Enhanced CRB check, register nannies have this updated yearly (childminders don't currently get theirs updated as often). Childcare workers also will often have Early Years First Aid training, plus may have specific training relating to childcare - such as an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education (or equivalent).
~ A nanny may (subject to contract) do household tasks related to the children, whereas a childminder will not (as they are not at your home).
There are no doubt other differences, but I consider the above to be the major ones.
With one child for whom you want 1:1 care, a nanny may be your only option, as a childminder will probably have other children to care for, at least at some point during the day (such as from school collection time onwards). Part-Time, Live-Out nannies in some areas can be hard to find, while childminders may be more able to accommodate a child attending 2 days per week.
is it impossible to get a CM one to one
I would say that it may be very hard. A childminder just starting out may like the idea, but established childminders I feel will want to care for a variety of ages of children. So you may find that a childminder who cares mostly for after-school children, could provide 1:1 care for part of the day.
Cost is hard to know as childminders run their business as they like and thus will charge what they like. 1:1 care would not be the norm, so you would need to ask each childminder specifically about that.
A nanny I would expect to set you back maybe around £79-£100 per day (inclusive of taxes) - a quick search of Part Time Nanny Jobs in Brighton resulted in salary offers of £7 net per hour to the nanny. Thus if it were a 10 hour day, that is £70 per day, which for 2 days is around £152 gross per week (if you are their only employer) or around £185 gross per week if on BR tax code. Added to that is Employers NI which for £152 per week is around £6.66. Thus total of say £159 per week, thus £79.50 per day. Useful Tools: E-Gismos PAYE Calculator ListenToTaxman PAYE Calculator
do they normally have large houses and big gardens?
No. It will vary hugely between childminders. In a city especially, you may find that it ranges from childminders working from a 2-bed flat, to childminders working from detached houses. Big house does not always mean big garden, as land in the South is at a premium and gardens get developed. Childminders will often use a local park.
where do they nap?
Childminders rarely get time for naps
Neither do nannies
Oh, you meant the children! Sometimes a bed is provided (not all childminders will have bedrooms included in their registration), though some children will nap in buggies, on a mat on the floor, in a portable cot, that sort of thing.
do you feel a cm is the next best thing to mummy?
Could be next best thing to daddy as some childminders, like some nannies, are male. With young children having consistency I feel is vital, so having a primary carer, is I feel better than having various carers (as could occur at a nursery).