childcare advice for pre-school and reception please

[uselesstechy]

Can any wise LPs advise me about the best options for childcare for a child starting reception in September?

I’m about to move to a new city after my divorce where I know nobody and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the thought of organising everything. I will need childcare for 3 days a week for him before he starts school, so through the summer, and then possibly after school club once he starts.

My DS has been in nursery since he was 2 but I’m now wondering if I’m better off finding a good childminder now who could be a useful support as he goes to school e.g. school pick ups and maybe babysitting and so on. Is this what other people do if they work? I don't even know what to look for in a childminder as I've always used a nursery.

Tbh, I don’t think it’s realistic for a 4.5 year old to go to breakfast club or after school club every day, so would a childminder be a better option for now as a gentler option? Or would there be holiday clubs for pre-reception children and how would this work? I expect they all get booked up! Am clueless about the whole new school thing and I’m panicking a bit at how I’m going to manage, so any advice for this age group and things to think about when it comes to childcare would be great. Thank you.

I've never used a childminder (did nursery / after school and holiday clubs) but I think they could be really useful in your situation. I think they would give you continuity during school hols? Maybe mix It up with one after school session a week so your dc is used to it in case of childminder problems?

It is well worth looking for a childminder that covers your school your DC goes to.

To be honest most childminders tend to have their own children so rarely do babysitting.

Look on your local council website.

Pre school close to school can also be useful for getting to know other children going to school..however the nursery my DS went to he only knew 3 other children who went but settled in fine.

If visiting childminder. check registration certificate but mostly go on your gut feeling, go on at least one visit when other children are there.

As a reception teacher can I just add my two pence worth? Consistency and down time seems key for children to be happy. The ones who struggled were ones who went to offsite after school club with different staff each day or mix or random people or who were just knackered. School is much more draining than nursery, so look for a reliable childminder who allows children to relax at home. Avoid ones with small houses as they tend to take children out a lot - great if they are there all day, too tiring for wee reception kiddies after school. They need a snack, cuddles and free play (even a bit of CBeebies!!).

Thanks for your replies meglet, starlight and primaryteach. It sounds like I need a good local childminder then, as it's probably better /more useful to have this in place than sending him to a nursery which has only got a few months life span in it. He'd just get settled in and then it would be off to school. Or perhaps I should mix it up for now and do a bit of both. I'm just trying to avoid too much change for DS, having to make friends etc and then starting school in september....

That's a really good point about down time, too primaryteach. I saw one childminder's ad who mentioned a quiet space for after school kids so perhaps I'll try her first.

Thanks.