Childminder vs Nursery

[Coco9910]

Just looking for peoples experiences with childminder vs nursery for a 2 year old.

My little one has been at nursery for the last 7 months and settled in quickly there and seemed to love it, but for the last few weeks she’s become really unsettled, cries at drop off and is often sent home due to not settling. We are looking to relocate soon so would need to change nursery also, but now I’m wondering if she would be better suited to a childminder.

Any opinions / advice welcome and appreciated!

That's weird? Do they have any idea why the change in her? Is there something going on like another v unsettled child or anything?

Perhaps a childminder would be nice for her for a bit, in a smaller more homely environment?

We were probably happier overall with a CM for various reasons but there are a couple of negatives like their holidays/sickness. To be fair our CM was a trooper and was only off when she had Covid. Self employed women tend to be good workers 🤣. The pluses were she just knew our children. On an off day there was a sofa and a blanket and a cuddle. There are fewer children so they can have a nice little bond between them all. Nursery was fine though too. At the moment it may be a case of take what you can get! Good luck.

I'd always pick home-based childcare where possible so I'd definitely go for a great childminder if there is one with space. A great nursery is better than a mediocre childminder though. I'd look at both options in your new area and see what seems the best fit.

What I would definitely look for is that they go out and about, particularly if she's there full-time. I think it's more important as they get older to have some trips out and are not just spending time in one or two rooms/garden all day long.

Both mine have only ever been to nursery so can't compare really. They've both always been happy and we are really happy with the nursery, my 2.5yo is still there. Both of them occasionally went through random periods of being clingy at drop off though, I think that's developmental or sometimes other life circumstances/stressors can cause it, or changes like moving rooms. I guess tbh that's the biggest downside of nursery for us is the need to change rooms and staff as they age. Ours is a very large nursery so there are more room moves than at a smaller nursery though so a smaller setting I guess children would move 'on' less and less of an issue. My 2.5yo has just moved rooms last week and isnt super happy there yet so obviously thats on my mind, but I did find with them last time and with my DC1 after a few weeks they were well settled into the new room.

Thanks for your thoughts all! I will definitely look at both options! She was doing so well at nursery. She moved room 2 months ago but has only been this unsettled the last couple of weeks. Going to speak to them today and see if there’s been any new toddlers in her room or anyone leaving that may have caused this.