My very lovely childminder gave us notice a short while ago and since DS is 3 in October we decided to move him to a preschool. We booked him in for 1.5days while I'm at work, but I've just found out that I will be working on a Monday so need childcare for 1 or 1/2 a day. The problem is that I won't finish till 1215 and that's the time the session ends. The preschool doesn't offer a lunch club either, so if he is to go there it would need to be a full day. Now, on the surface this is seemingly minor but this preschool is actually more expensive than my CM so I can't afford to send him there for a full day at their rates.
However, (I'm getting there honest) I have found another pre-school setting combined with a childminder who offer a full day for about the same price as a half day in setting one. It also happens to be the place my CM is sending her twins in September so I feel very comfortable there. It is a good 20mins drive away from me though so he can't go there full time as timings for work on other days won't work. (Still with me?!).
Even after a year at CM he gets very upset on the journey and when I drop him off. He always stops the second the door is shut and when I collect him he doesn't want to come home. Even so, I am really really worried about the move to preschool and don't know whether I am asking way too much to expect him to settle into two new places, and if one day at setting two is too few. BTW, he has been with me twice to setting two and is very happy, runs off etc. If he can't see me though, he does start to call for me and if I even mention popping out he starts to cry.
I start my new hours on 10th September and I really really don't what to do. Pay more than I earn until Jan when his 15hrs kick in (in setting one) or try with setting two? I'm so confused I can't see woods for the trees. Any input gratefully accepted!