Hi Ladies,

Im going back to work in the daytime soon and so looking into childcare..

What should I be looking out for and asking? I am looking at both childcare and child minders do you recommend on either being better than the other or is it dependant on that nursery or minder?

Gawd this is a headache!!

xx

I think it depends on the childminder as to which is better!

Some are really good at socialising the children they have - so I think that would be just as good nursery, but if they don't then I think thats a bit poop for the child!

At nursery you want to feel comfy with the people who will care for her, and that you like the sleeping arrangements, food they offer etc

Ofsted do reports - these a good indication of how good they are, but I personally think gut instinct is the best way to see things!

also might depend on what time you will be working to as im pretty sure childminders will have children later than nurserys open and also earlier too. Im lucky because I have my oh and my aunt to pick hannah up when I cant but if I didnt have them Id have to look into childminders as I work shifts so twice a week I finish at 6 and twice I finish at 7 and her nursery closes at 5.45pm.

I have changed hannah nursery recently as I wasnt happy with her 1st one but since changing her Im so happy with her progress. I think it all comes down to personal preference to be honest. I dont really like the idea of a childminder. I dont really have reasons though just prefer the idea of a nursery.

x

I agree wth Legs - go with your gut instinct. Make sonme appointments for visits, oe even call in on the off chance, that way you might be able to catch them off guard and see what they are really like, and dont be afraid to ask questions.

I opted for a nursery as with a childminder they are entitled to take hols etc and i didn't want to book my hols from work around them. Also if your childminder is ill you might have to sort out something else for childcare etc.

Both Lottie and Abbie go to nursery and they absolutely love it and I can really notice the difference in Abbie since she started.

xx