Honest opinions please ....

[Nicolaplus1]

I have been back at work part time now for a few months and my dad has my DD, but i think it is getting a bit much for him plus i think she is getting a bit whiny clingny and this set up is not helping so am now thinking of alternative options even if just for 1 or 2 days.
We have a local surestart centre so thinking bout this or childminder

Any advice gratefuly welcome

There are advantages and disadvantages to both:
In Nurseries children have lots of others to play with and it will always be open. You pay per session, so this can work out well, but it is not a flexible as a childminder in this regard.

Childminders are great. We have a fantastic one who is kind and lovely. I love the fact that it is a real home atmosphere. However, if your childminder is ill (or if their children are ill) - you are stuck without childcare. You can be more flexible about your hours with a childminder ie. you pay only for the hours your child is there, whereas at a Nursery you pay for the whole session even if you poick them up an hour and a half early.

Check out the Surestart - they have soem very well resourced nurseries and perhaps ask around about local childminders.

HTH

doubleexpresso... I, and other CM in my area, would not be so flexible in respect to fees. All my contracts with parents work on the basis that fees are due for the hours booked. If a child is dropped off late or collected early there is no reduction in fees.