Childminder or home-based care?

[oremstango]

Going back to work three mornings a week and wondering whether to have my son with a childminder (7 minuted away) or an au pair who comes here. He's 16-months old and would love to hear anyone who has experience on either end. Thanks.

Au pairs tend to live in, and tend to be young and inexperienced. You may find a gem who has experience or qualifications though.

By home-based care, I assumed you meant a nanny.

Childminders go through all sorts of checks and are regulated, nannies and au pairs aren't. I suspect budget will play a part here too.

I think you should go with the person you feel happiest with, rather than the nature of childcare iyswim.

A nannyshare may be good, finding a childminder to take your little one for 3 mornings may be hard as most charge retainers for the rest of the day/week.