Hi I would appreciate people's opinions if they have been through the same/ what they might do in my situation.
2 sons go to same childminder who is a private minder that does not offer any discounts. There is a government subsidy for creche facilities but not private minders where I live .
My oldest child likes the children who go there but preferred his previous childminder as was less strict ,had understandable rules but current minder has an older child there who doesnt seem to like my child very much from the stories i hear. I know thats one sided as son is 10 but its worth noting as a factor . Youngest child is indifferent as seems to be much less anxious about the minders own child's demeanour.
Husband has a new job offer which could see him working 2 days from home and be able to collect both children from school . I can navigate work hours to be able to pick up from school on the other days by working shorter days and longer days the days my husband is picking up.
My concern is giving up childminder altogether gives me anxiety in case anything happened to either of us that we might need external support ie health diagnosis etc.
Have grandparents in reasonable distance but don't ask for their help to date as older and didn't feel right .
I've had some issues with childminder in past that we navigated through but I feel I talk myself out of my concerns since as tensions seem to run high when I address them in past. None are safety or anything just bug bears over communication, short notice days off etc. My oldest likes the other kids and one of his closest friends also goes there and I'm concerned how this transition of not going any longer might affect him in school. He's aged 9 nearly 10 now and has been there the last 2 years.
Would you feel the savings made of not using childminder would outweigh these concerns? In last 5 years since paying for childcare for 2nd child we have not been able to save due to job changes/ buying house etc .
If we cease the childminder we would save, but oldest child would miss friends ( still sees them at school) and I feel there's no buffer in case either parent has any health diagnosis down the line. I realise I am anxious so please be kind but honest in your responses. I have lost alot of sleep trying to make this decision.