Move or stay

[Backhometothenorth]

I'm starting back at work next month and really looking forward to it after being a SAHM for a few years. Youngest DD has been going to a flexible hours nursery a couple of mornings twice a week and I'm finding it hard to decide whether to increase the hours here or move her to another day nursery. Both have very good ofsted reports but new nursery is 'nicer' on the face of it. I think I know the answer really but what do you think?

Pros- existing nursery
DD already settled (albeit only for a couple of hours at a time)
Very flexible on days
Competitively priced- pay by the hour rather than session

Cons
Have to send packed meals
Relatively high staff turnover/ younger staff
Limited outdoor space
Longer total journey
Parking a bit patchy for pick up/ drop off

Pros new nursery
Lovely outdoor space
Cooked meals provided
Low staff turnover/ more experienced staff
Very close to home
Good parking- quicker drop off/ pick up

Cons
New environment for DD- will she settle in?
Contracted days
Pay by session regardless of use

And any other considerations that might help? Thanks all

DD is coming up to 22 months old.

Based on the information you've provided, I would go to the new nursery. I moved DD to an amazing nursery from a childminder at 18 months and she settled amazingly well. Obviously I don't know your child though.

Another who would go for the new Nursery - although does depend a bit what hours you need, and what they call 'a session'.
If you could pick her up at 2pm and you are paying until 6.30pm every day, then it doesn't make so much sense

New nursery sounds better on paper, so I'd give it a go, but it depends on your gut feeling mainly. I found a pros and cons list I'd written for the nurseries I looked at. The ones I didn't choose had as one of their cons: "it's not "

How skint are you

I think if it won't compromise any other areas of family life to pay for the new nursery, I'd move her.

Sounds like a better setting and better logistics for you.

She'll settle quickly especially if you build it up slowly.

Thanks all this has been really helpful. DD starts settling in at the nw nursery next week

New nursery sorry