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Childminder Vs daycare

29 replies

Roseremi31 · 13/08/2023 07:21

Trying to get childcare organised before end of maternity leave. Which do you prefer between childminders and private daycares and why?

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MariaVT65 · 14/08/2023 18:33

Longlive · 14/08/2023 16:22

I was a childminder for many years.

My qualifications were : 1st Aid, child Protection, Behaviour Management, NVQ 1,2,3,4, EYPS.

Not all CM's are qualified to this degree, but ongoing qualifications are encouraged by Ofsted. Very few are under NVQ 3 level.

All CMs have to follow EYFS and do the same planning and production of EYFS as a nursery.

Most work evenings and weekends to fulfil planning and such, as well as updating childrens records, Tapestry out put for parents, qualifications, play qualifications, tax and invoicing.

Shopping for resources, shopping for food, nappies, hand-wash supplies.

I worked on average a 60 hour week, with 6 children. Three under 5 and three over 5, most staying with me till they aged out and went to High school.

All this for £4.00 per hour per child before expenses ( which can be heavy with little ones, things need replacing regularly. Think how much a double pushchair and quality car seats are) and tax. It is not a well paid job.

Now to the question. I've worked as a CM, ran a Nursery and been a Nanny.

All have there uses and time and place.

For me I woukdnt put a under 2 in a nursery, but feel they benefit from the other options. Over 3, definitely a nursery.

This is really interesting as my childminder charged more per hour, didn’t supply nappies or food, and sent all invoices and updates during working hours. And clearly did bugger all planning because we saw the tv on all day.

So OP you need to count on finding a good childminder!

Fifthtimelucky · 14/08/2023 18:58

I used both at different times. I went back to work when my eldest was 5 months old, which was common in those days. I was lucky to find a wonderful childminder and I felt that at that age a normal home environment with a single carer was a more natural environment for her than a nursery

When she was nearly 2, we moved to a different area. I couldn't find a childminder I liked and my daughter ended up at a nursery, which was fine at that age as obviously she was more independent and more interested in interacting with other children.

So I'd say for a young baby, a childminder is a better option provided you find the right one!

MexicanDrinkingWorm · 14/08/2023 19:31

Our son is at a small nursery and it’s ideal, before he was age 2 the maximum kids in his room were 6 at any time (and not many more now he’s older to be fair). Staff all know him, he gets to form attachments with them and other kids but has the benefit of a structure and no worries for us about Staff holiday/sickness.
I’d personally avoid bigger nurseries, one local to us has nearly 30 kids in the youngest room which to me seems like total chaos and not sure how the staff can focus on individuals.
childminders are cheaper but I think our nursery is worth every penny

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MariaVT65 · 14/08/2023 22:08

OP, if you google ‘mumsnet childminder or nursery’ you’ll see lots of threads on this topic that might be helpful :)

i’ve just had a chat with my DH about what to do with our second, and we’ve opted for nursery due to the terrible experience we’ve had with 2 childminders.

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