Nursery and childminder

[HertsNE]

Hello,

I'm new to this and first time posting; I hope that I receive some replies!

I have two DC, 2 years and a quarter and a 10-month old. I'm returning to work full time shortly.

DH and I have decided to put our 10 month old with a childminder for two days; we're very fortunate that family will help with the remainder of the week.

As for our 2 year old, he'll be with family for 2 days and 3 days either at nursery or with a childminder.
DH feels that our DC is ready for nursery as he likes being around children. My concern is that 3 full days; from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., at nursery will be too much for him at this age. So I'm wondering if we should put him into nursery for half days, in the mornings, and then with the childminder in the afternoon/early evening so he'll be in a home from home environment and with his baby brother.

Does anyone else have experience of this or have thoughts on this please?

Many thanks in advance for your time and help!

7.30 - 6pm is a long day, but dc at Nursery sleep and relax too - a 'daycare' Nursery is aware how long a day that is and has much more 'down time' than a sessional Nursery is likely too.

That said, from a practical pov, it is FAR easier to be picking up / dropping off at the same place. Most parents find it a stressful time in the morning getting dc up and out and to childcare before rushing on to work, and then equally leaving work on time and hoping the commute is all ok so you get there in time to collect them, so I would put a LOT of thought into the idea of only having to do 1 drop off and 1 pick up.
Many CMers will take dc to toddler groups / Stay and play / CMer groups / playgroups, etc - they aren't likely to be sat in the house all day - so your older one will get all the stimulation they need from a decent CMer.

I agree it will be annoying dropping off at two places. Children stay with me until they go to school and have lots of interaction with their peers and then quieter time when we're back home, where they can get some 1:1 attention.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply and for your thoughts!

I agree that 1 drop-off and pick-up will certainly be easier for me; and hopefully less stressful. My preference is for our 2 year old to go to a CM for a year before he joins pre-school especially as he'll be almost 5 years old when he does start primary school.

DH is concerned that he won't be sufficiently stimulated or that he may get bored if other DC are younger than him. You've both highlighted of course that there ought to be interaction with their peers and will also mix with other DC of other CMs and playgroups.

SMaCM - I gather that you're a CM. Are you able to suggest any particular questions I ought to ask of/look for in prospective CMs please?

Thanks again both for your feedback!

I have a list of FAQs on my website. Feel free to have a look and see if it raises any questions for you

www.3mxchildcare.co.uk

It's not an advert, because I have no vacancies anyway .

Good luck with your search. You will find the childminder or nursery that's right for you.

Thank you SMaCM. Very helpful.