Confused re childcare and would like to change my mind!

[Boggyboo]

I have a lovely 9 month old boy and I'm due to return to work at the start of May. We have had a nursery place for him for some time and he has just completed his settle in period. The problem is that I just don't feel happy with the nursery environment, they spent very little time engaging with the children and struggle to get out because of staffing issues. With this in mind I have contacted a couple of recommended childminders and feel that this is the route I would like to take.
I have found one that can accommodate my son but only for 4 days and starting July, although I can use another childminder to make up the 5th day.
My dilema is that this would mean my son attending nursery til Jul and then going to 2 different childminders! Would this confuse and distress him more?

I am a Registered Childminder & have worked with families in similar circumstances - 3 families that tried nurseries & had various issues they weren't happy with so then came to me instead. One of these took a considerable time to settle (having not settled at nursery at all) but others all settled quickly. I believe the benefits to these children have far outweighed the few difficulties in the transition period. Have also cared for a baby for a few months while waiting for a nursery place, so it can work well both ways!

Currently I care for a 4 year old whose care is shared between 2 childminders, and I've previously cared for a baby girl whose care was shared between 3 childminders. Not an ideal situation but there are benefits. When this mum wanted extra hours, at least one of us could always comply! Also if one of us was on holiday or off sick, another could usually provide cover. Eventually, vacancies with the childminders changed and they were able to cut down to one childminder.

can the one that can do the 5th day take him until July?

I personally wouldn't start him at nursery for only 2 months.

It's not an ideal situation, although probably better 1 day with 1, 4 with the other than half week with each. Are there no other local childminders with vacancies who can start May?

Sorry to not get back sooner - been away for Easter. Thanks Ayla99 & Happymumof2 for your reply. I am currently waiting for 1 local childminder to get back to me for 5 days but starting July again! Also, there is a friend of a friend who has just become a registered childminder and I know that she would be great. I am waiting for her to get back from hols but she might have a vacancy to start now - only hitch is that she is about 15mins away in the opposite direction to work! If the latter is available I think the extra few mins might be worth it?

If you find a childminder that you like and trust, then I would definitely not worry about the travelling time. I've had parents move house and drive miles to still continue bringing their children to me!

Thanks - visiting her house tomorrow am to chat about arrangements etc Hopefully, all will go well!

my son is nearly 11 months and has been in childcare since he was 4 months old.

he spends 3 days with childminder (who is also a friend) and 2 at nursery.

works pretty well and he is very happy. having nursery is good cos can do extra days if childminder's kids are ill (which they have been a bit this winter).

I'm really happy with both nursery and childminder and think it's nice to have a balance between the two.