Childminder vs Nursery

[Twigy]

Ok, my Lo is at nursery 1day a week which he loves. I am starting a new job and need more childcare but nursery cant have him anymore days. I am thinking about a childminder but DH thinks he wont progress very well. I think it would be better for him to be with childminder both days rather than at nursery 1 day and childminder another. Can anyone help.

I personally prefer CM's but this is because my mum is one!! Tbh every one has a different view and for me it would always have to be a CM. Basically because they get cared for in a home environment and the ratios are way smaller.

I agree with K999. My DD goes to a chid minder and she gets lots of one on one time when the other children are at nursery (school nursery) and is in a home envirinment But she has never been to a nursery so I am biased!

My mum worked in a nursery for years and left to become a CM as it was getting her down too much. Some of the stories that she would tell me would make me very

Why what happened at the nurseries???

I think ot depends on your child, my Dd1 is much happier with a cm than at the nursery I tried, probably becasue she got more 1 to 1 attention. She's developed just fine

Oh sorry...nothing that bad!! No need to worry. It was more to do with the fact that my mum found it difficult to try and make the 'one size' fits all to kids etc....she said that it was difficult to have planned activities when some kids were far more happy to wander around trying different things.....she said she felt that some kids were losing their individuality...

My DD goes to a nursery 2 days a week (which she adores) and 2 days with my mum. I interviewed about 8 childminders and didn't like the environments - since DD started at nursery she's more confident, more socially aware and isn't so timid.
As long as your LO gets consistant care I don't think 1 day in each would be a problem - although when I was looking i never found a CM who could do just one day.

If you did do one day in each, as your LO gets older s/he may be able to tell you which one s/he prefers and you can alter your choices accordingly.

HTH x

You don't say how old your ds is. But personally I have gone for a CM for the reason that I want him to be cared for in a home environment. CM has a ds the same age as my ds and they have a fab time together. But he's only 2.5 and I don't want him to be in a formal school or nursery environment until he's older.

I'm a cm so biased BUT imo children under 3 are better with cm and children over 3 can gain alot from going to nursery although i still think the whole day at that age is too much tbh

If you visit both then you can get a feel for the places and go with your gut instinct, if you both can't agree then visit again and see what you think then.

Have you lookesd on the child care link website for a list of childcare providers in your area?

DS is 13mths old and is already very confident in himself and very sociable.

Yes lovemygirls and a friend knows this lady as well. We are going for a play and a chat tomorrow so LO can see if he likes her as well.

I'd go for whoever can give you all of the days you need - whether that's the nursery (which they can't at the moment) or a CM (provided you can find one that you click with.)

Thanks girls i have spoken to the lady on the phone twice and she is really nice. Is there any particular question i should ask?

See how the land lies tomorrow then if she's not so willing to do just one day and tbh I can understand why she might not be then you could consider your ds going there both days if you're happy with her.

I think how your ds develop's will be more down to his nature and personality (and he sounds like he's coming along brilliantly for his age) and also to have all carers working from the same hymn book is very important plus a good routine and a healthy diet of course will set him in good stead for wanting to absorb more from his surroundings.

Good luck for tomorrow

Theres a thread somewhere with a list of questions to ask. hang on i'll have a look.

Here we are!

Alibubbles list

How long have you been working with children?

What training have you had? Any qualifications? Are you part of a network, achieved a quality assurance qualification, look at registration certificate, insurance details, business use for car. First aid must be no more than 3 years old, food hygiene certificate, Certificate in Childminding practice or NVQ 3, Contracts and record forms

Do you enjoy being with children and why?

Can I look around, see the rooms and outside play space? If there is no outside play space - how will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside?

Where will my child rest?

What kind of food and drink will you give? Can I see a menu?

What will my child do all day?

How do you encourage good behaviour?

Will my child be with a regular group of children? How old are they? How will their timetable fit in with my child?

How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?

What hours is she open?

How much does she charge?

What about when my child is sick, holidays, days off

What do you do in an emergency?

When was her last Ofsted, can you see the report?

Top 10 Quality Pointers

When you visit possible childcare options, look for these Quality Pointers:

Are the children calm, safe, happy and busy?

Do children play and talk together?

Is the childminder listening to the children and answering them carefully?

Is the childminder friendly and proud of her work?

Is she joining in joining in with what the children are doing?

Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these activities themselves?

Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?

Is the premises clean, well kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will the child go to parks and other places regularly)?

Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

If there are other things you want to know, don't be afraid to ask. Good childminders expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.

Always take up references. You could ask for names of other parents to talk to about the service

Listen to your child and find out more if he/she is unhappy
Always trust your own feelings about your childcare - you know your child best

It really depends on the personality of your child and what you are looking for from your childcare.
If you have a confident and outgoing child then nursery is great but if your child is shy and finds it more difficult to make her needs known then you would be better off with a childminder. In a nursery setting your child will be introduced to many different experiences and have access to equipment a childminder doesn't. They are also much better prepared for starting school (emotionally and educationally). If your child goes to a childminder then they will recieve much more personalised care and be involved in trips to farms, parks, soft play etc. They are also likly to be involved in trips to Asda which is not so great (depends on the childminder). Childminders are often more flexible in hours but you would also need to find out what would happen if your childminder was sick/ on holiday.
I would recomend that you keep your child in the same place for both days though as she may be unsettled if she has to get used to 2 different sets of rules. If you decide on a childminder you could always ask the mners who childmind to give you some tips on how to make sure you get someone suited to you and your child.

Twigy. You've said in your OP that he loves his nursery. Have they said when they would be able to offer him more days?

Just wondering if it might only be a couple of weeks or so before they can give you the extra sessions you need - in which case you might be able to cover it until then?

Sorry Twigy, I said she and you've got a boy haven't you, oops

OOOps again. I see lovemygirls is already onto that list of questions for you.

Oh lovemygirls you have been so helpful- ThankYou. There are some points there I hadnt thought of.

I really need to get it sorted this week as start new job on saturday and the outlaws are off on their jollies for a month.

Hi chubby I was thinking the same as you too that I dont want him unsettled too much especially with me going back to work.

LO loves his nursery but there have been a few things that have niggled me and the assistant manager wasnt very helpful when I asked if an opening would turn up soon.

At least if you sort out a cm it will solve the f-i-l problem Twigy!

Will it make him disappear

How did it go?

Hi Lovemygirls. The lady was fantastic. I sat like a school inspecter checking out her credentials and watching her.

LO took 2mins to suss her out and was fine He will be with a 3yrs old who is a bit boisterous but think he will get used to that.

Think he will actually have more fun there.

Thanks for your support girls I was having a real worry about this but have taken the lady on and know i'm doing the right thing.