Childcare options for sensitive toddler?

[JC2021]

Just a bit of background our son is 2yrs and 4 months, lovely, gentle. caring and spirited/can be very strong willed.

Has only been at home with myself (and husband past year due to covid)

we have no 'village' so to speak and have not had any help from anywhere, we are now aware he could do with socialising as is very shy/weary of other kids and me & hubby need some own time together/down time..

We are planning for him to go preschool at age 3 but before then no idea! Ideally just a want a couple of sessions at a decent nursery..

i've been shocked by the quality of childcare, it's a bit s*it most places to be honest.. and with covid not sure i would want to send him to a nursery where the staff are potentially unhappy to be there due to covid etc.,

I've considered a childminder but hubby against it due to his friends bad experience..

we both have our mum's but they are both not hands on and have made it clear it's a bit too much for them to do a full day..

I know i am sounding precious here but childcare is a real tricky one and i've viewed a couple of nurseries but decided to keep him home with me.. now the socialising aspect is really important!

Any ideas? We are based in Kent, UK. I'm hoping everything re-opens soon and I can get him out and about..

No rude/patronising responses pls as seems to be the norm on here these days..

I’d just wait for school nursery in Sept tbh. He will surprise you and be totally fine.

Imho it’s far more about the quality of the care than about the setting. We have a brilliant brilliant childminder-intelligent, outdoorsy, kind - DC have a great bond with her. I’m sure there are people like that also working in bigger childcare settings, too. And yes childcare is often a bit shit-I’ve seen other CMs out and about and thought ‘no fucking way would I leave my baby with you’, and same for plenty of the fancy nurseries around here (kids always catching bugs, bored very young staff). It sucks.

I'd visit some childminders too, see if you find someone you click with.

I’d try to make some friends children and support him with socialising with his peers. If he has only been with you and dad I question how realist it would be to take him to nursery leave him with people he doesn’t know and children he may be weary of.
Best to start with you and dad being involved that way he will take social que’s from you.

*realistic

Maybe join a local parents group on FB and ask for recommendations on nurseries or childminders? My little one is 2.5 and a nursery didn't feel right for him as he's been home with me so long, I found a few nice recommendations via our local parents group, so we're starting the search that way. Good luck xx

My dad didn't go until 3, it's fine to wait

I sent my DS to nursery during Lockdown. I wrote down a list of all good and outstanding nurseries within 5 miles of my house, and called them to see if I could arrange a viewing (a lot of nurseries let you see the setting after hours. Some may let you see it from the garden too while kids are playing). I had a list of questions I asked all nurseries and them chose the best one accordingly.

Just thought I'd update on here:

Dear Son totally fine and loves nursery to my surprise! It's what he has needed

So good to read your update, OP!

It’s so nice when OPs come back! That’s great news

Thank you 🙏💕