Options for childcare- thoughts please?

[DetentionGrrrl]

I'm going back to work in March, when son will be about 9mths old. Will be doing 4 days a week instead of 5, so i can spend more time with my son, and we may ask a family member to take care of him for 1 days a week too. What options do i have for the other 3 days? I'm worried about a nursery- my perception is that there are lots of kids, few trained staff etc. Is this founded or am i being daft? There's a shortage of childminders in my area and i'm starting to worry.What experiences do other people have of childcare?

A shortage of childminders?!!!
What about a nanny?

my son went to a nursery as his playgroup and he loved it.the people were great wit all the childre and i cold honestly leave him there in a moring knowing he was happy and safe

obviously all nurseries differ.id go round and see some now and see how you feel about them.each one is different.if you just turn up then you'll see how they really are without them knowing you're going.

i always think when its a small child that is being looked after the nursery has to make sure there are adequate sleeping/playing/feeding facilities etc and arent just stuck in a playpen all day.

see what you think.nursery/nanny/family member.just make sure that you're happy with your choice and wont be worrying at work all day.

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Wouldn't a nanny be very expensive though? I've even thought about registering as childminder myself so i can earn money that way, and look after my son myself. I live in Swansea.

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Nurseries vary considerably. Certainly in some they may have high staff turn-over, low average age of staff, 1/2 of staff trained etc. Not all nurseries are the same... I tend to find that the smaller, independently owned nurseries are usually better than the big chains. No harm in looking around your area visiting nurseries to see what they are like.

For 3-days/4-days per week, a childminder may work well, though you do say there is a shortage in your area. By March your son will be 1 year old, so you may find there is a bit more choice, as childminders are restricted in number of under 1's they can care for. Call around a bit, making sure you say your son is 1 year old (as he will be come March) and see if anyone has spaces for March start. Have CSIW / Childrens Information Service been able to provide you with a list of local minders?

A nanny for one child does work out pricy. As a nanny I typically work for families with 2 or more children. A nanny share may be an option, if you can find one, though depending how you do the share, that may mean other children coming to your home.
Childcare Approval Scheme only applies in England, not Wales. There does seem to be a way of getting financial help with childcare at your home as WTC5 says: "In England and Wales only, childcare provided in your own home by a domiciliary worker or nurse from a registered agency." Alas I know of no other details.

If you're planning baby number 2 reasonably soon then a nanny can be cost effective. When we had 3 under 4 it was the cheapest easiest option.

Good nurseries are fabulous. So are good childminders. Look at what's available and base your choice on that, I'd say.

agree, with motherinferior. look what's available in your area with an open mind. nurseries vary a lot, and yes, I think smaller ones can be v. good.