Any of you changed from a nursery to CM?

[Greatfun]

DD aged 3 has been at her nursery since she was 9 months. However, for various reasons I have decided to change her to a pre school attached to a primary which means I will need a CM to look after her before/after pre school as its only 2.5 hours. I also have a 1 year old DS who I was originally going to send to the same private nursery as DD but am thinking of sending to the CM (once I find one) as well. TBH I originally preferred nurseries: no probelms with sick leave, I liked the idea of a number of people being around, children in age groups, no visitors,etc. So changing to a CM is very different. I just think DD will benefit from a home environment more now she is older. Probably the opposite of what most people would think but since she has dropped her day time nap I am finding a day in nursery is way too much for her. Anyone had any experiences of swapping from nursery to CM?

Thanks

Yes, used a nursery for my first child and then a childminder for my second. If you find a good childminder, and there are lots of them about, in my opinion the care is much better.

My DS2 used to go to playgroups, a singing class and an art club with his childminder and had a real bond with her. If he was a bit under the weather I knew he would get extra love and attention from her.

Being in a home environment he played with whichever toys he wanted,used to sit around a table with others to have his lunch and she used to bake etc with him. Plus she really knew him as an individual and knew the sort of things he enjoyed doing. She was really lovely and I am still good friends with her.

Good luck. Make sure you visit quite a few childminders - you will soon get the jist of who is doing a really good job.

thanks.

Hi! I'm a CM. Just to make you aware you usually have to pay the CM for the 2.5 hours that your pre-school child is in nursery. This is because they're responsible during those hours and would have them if it's school hols or training days etc and are unlikely to fill that time with another child. I hope that made sense as I still find that bit quite confusing.

If you struggle to find a CM, check out the thread on 'childminders with no mindees', maybe one of us can help

Thanks mumsnobest. I thought this may be the case as I didnt expect the CM to fill that time with another mindee anyhow. I am swapping to a childminder due to that DD is exhausted after nursery now that she doesnt nap, I think she would get better pre school education from the local school nursery and the nursery suddenly seems to have a very high turn over of staff which has alarmed me some what.