Childminder advice needed

[ShaunaghB]

Hi,

So I have an 18 month old boy that has been with his childminder since he was 4 months old. He has a fantastic relationship with his childminder. And she is fantastic with him, and always takes them out on trips ect.
However she is unreliable, nearly every week there is a new reason she can't have him for a day or two, due to silly reasons such as he has a bit of a sniffle ect.
We have been talking to other childminders and have been to view one and he has a place if we accept it.
But I'm stuck what to do.
Do I stick with his current childminder due to his relationship with her, or do I move to a new one?
Thanks in advance for any opinions.

Do you work and therefore actually need childcare?

If so it’s a no brainer. You can’t have seriously unreliable childcare, however nice they are, and expect to keep your job.

Move! A great relationship isn't much use when she won't have him half the time. Children settle and adjust really quickly

I'm a student nurse, and also have a part time job as a carer so yes I do need the childcare 😊
I'm just worried about him having the bond with someone else, as he has been with the same one from so young 😫

Have you spoken to her about your concerns?
Excluding because of your child having a cold is alot more common now with childminders having to safeguard themselves, the other children and their families from covid. It is far from ideal but closing to one is better than closing to all. She might feel that your job as a nurse means you are more exposed to covid? Maybe chatting to her about what ppe measures are still in place might help?
If you have spoken to her and do feel that things can't continue you might be best to give notice. It is a shame seen as she has been part of your childs life for 14 months but looking for another minder does indicate you feel there is a breakdown in communication somewhere.