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Childminders vs afterschool/breakfast clubs

1 reply

UhKevin · 23/01/2020 13:46

Just wanted to start by saying thanks very much for those who have given support previously; much appreciated.

DS starts reception in September and will need before and after school care for two (possibly three) days a week. No two ways about this, unfortunately. He got an ASD dx last year and previously likely would have had an Aspergers dx. He does do very well socially and is currently in nursery 2.5 days per week from 8-5:45ish; has been since 13 months and this hasn’t been a problem.

Our first thought was to try to get him into the school’s attached club, which is supposed to be very good but we’ve not done a lot of investigating yet. However, there are also some great childminders locally.

Basically, I’m just interested in broadly comparable experiences and if there’s anything massive people would recommend I’m aware of. There are aspects that appeal about both environments. If I’m honest I wonder if a club, with more staff and space, would be a better option but friends with NT kids speak of the appeal of a ‘home’ environment of a childminder, particularly in reception year. Not sure how/if relevant but DS will have an NT sibling at the school in another two years as well who will obviously need the same arrangements.

Any input or thoughts etc much appreciated.

OP posts:
LightTripper · 23/01/2020 15:46

Our daughter is also autistic and goes to an after school club once a week (she's in Year 1 but did this in Reception too). She really enjoys it but she does get very tired by the end of the week (she also does a dance class another night, and often has a playdate or something else on a third, so it is busy and I often worry if it's too much, but she seems to enjoy everything).

If he generally is happy in social situations though might be worth giving it a go. How relaxed/stressful a childminder is relatively speaking will depend a lot on the setting, how many other kids they are looking after, etc.

How easy is it to switch to child minders if the after school club doesn't work out? Could you do a mix of days?

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