Just need some reassurance and maybe some advice.
I am going back to work at the end of September and have to find childcare for one day a week. It will be alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays. Not sure which is better choice childminder or nursery? It will have to be from about 7.30/8am in the morning until about 5pm. My husband will have to do the drop offs and pickup as I will be working 7.15 am until 21.00 hrs (very long day on a busy medical ward).
I feel I am all alone on this matter as Husband very happy for me to do all the sorting. Does not help that somedays he works in Portsmouth where we live and other days down in Christchurch. Are childminders or nurserys flexible in there start and finish times? I feel so sick and worried about this matter. Am I being stupid?
Mary xx
Ps does not help that we have fallen out with mother in law as we asked her if she would come to our house and look after Isabelle 1 day a week .Originally she had offered to llook after Isabelle, but before Christmas she got a rescue Rottweiler who we do not feel comfortable around and are not happy to leave Isabelle around at their house with the dog.

Hi Mary,

I've just gone through all this with my 2. Am going back to work in September and, after looking into CM v Nursery, I have decided to send both of mine to nursery. I really thought I'd go down the CM route as Evie will just be 6 months and she'd get more 1 to 1 care there until I realised that that'd be the case in a morning but in the afternoon there would be her plus 4 three year olds which put me off somewhat! There weren't many CMs in our area that could take both of them and do Joe's pre school pick up too which also contributed to the decision.
You should find that whichever way you go the carers hours will be flexible and they'll work around you to an extent. I found our local childcare information service really helpful, from the sound of it you're in Hampshire so try 01962 813887 or look at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/childcare/ for more info on carers in your area. The Lancs childcare service sent me a brilliant booklet with top questions to ask prospective carers and ideas on what to look for. It's worth knowing that all CMs and nurseries are Ofsted registered and you can read their reports online. Whichever way you choose to go they should be happy for Isabelle and you to spend some 'settling' sessions with them so that you'll be confident that she'll be happy and settled once you're back at work. My OH was quite happy to let me sort Joe and Evie's care out too, I think it's a man thing!! Mind you, I think I'd rather it was that way as I'm not sure he'd have researched it to my high standards lol!!
For what it's worth, I wouldn't leave either of mine in a house where there was a Rottweiler either!

Hope this helps somehow, sorry it turned into a bit of an essay!

Zoe

Me to Mary, I have visited all the local nurserys and I just can't bring myself to make a decision, think it is because I am not ready to leave her yet, but I have a date of 8th Sep to go back to work. My mum is going to watch lo in April '09 when she retires but I need to go back before then. I think we are going to have a look at local CM and see how we get on.

I will keep you posted.

Hope you find the right solution for you and Isabelle huni x

Thanks for replies. I rang chat who gave me an up to date list of cm and nurseries. A lotof them have no baby places and alsocannot accomadate the hrs I need. They cannnot give me a Wednesday one week and aThursday the next as this uses 2 placement days
I am going to view one next week and anothr one is going to get back tome. I shall have to keep trying.
Mary xx

Going to visit a childminder this morning at 10.30. She sounded lovely on the phone and appeared to be able t meet our needs. I have a list of questions to ask. Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what I should ask and look for in case they are different to mine.
Thanks,
Mary xx

Annabel Karmel says these in her book...
How many kids does she look after, how old and how long has she been?
What is the routine, and how often do they go out?
What kind of food does she use?
Whats her attitude on sleeping, crying, potty training, watching tv, games?
How does she fit her own chores in in her day and will it affect baby?
How long has she been doing it for, and does she intend to continue for?
Get a list of names and num of other people she works for if poss and follow them up...
Hope that helps, was only reading it last night!! x

Thanks xx

my sister uses a child minder. The same one since jess was 9 months...she now 14!!!!

Annette said she walked in to the house and just knew within minutes that it was right. the house was clean but not too tidy/ a too tidy house would indicate that the childminder is always puttin toys away and the are not allowed to make mess. You dont want that.

A recommendation is good too. A friend of mine recommended this one so that was a help too.

Jess is too old now but they went back after school and in the hols till just last year. She is like an aunt to them (but one that charges them) jess even goes after school a few afternoons and is paid to help out.

I would ask how many kids they look after, when, and ages. Also important is will she take your child to do school pick ups and if so how many and does she have sun shades, warm snuggle toes, rain covers etc.... will she stick to your schedule or will she feed, sleep when other kids do??? (this is what nurseries tend to do) what will she do if Isabelle cries, is upset etc... policy on kids who are sick...ie you dont want a 4 year old with sick bug attending because they cant go to school but mum needs to work!

The main thing is to like the child minder and get that feeling that you would trust her with your baby.

Good Luck. It does get easier honest!!!!


d xx

[Modified by: dee dee on July 31, 2008 11:07 AM]

How did you get on with the CM Mary?

Hi Jo,

We went back to see the cm again last night and she was lovely. We have signed contracts with her and have a 2 month agreed settling in period. I have met her 2 children who are lovely and well mannered . I felt so comfortable with her. I spent nearly 2 hrs there last week and an hr last night.
She is part of a team of cm and is inspected every 8 weeks. She keeps develpmental folders on all the children she looks after and can also offer free nursery education. She has gained an nvq3 in childcare and learning and develpment. She has looked after a couple of children for nearly 3 years which to me says a lot.
By fate it turns out she is best friends with the sister of one of the girls I am friends with at works husband (small world).
Fingers crossed Isabelle will be happy there. Just need to relax and enjoy the next 2 months at home with her now .
Mary xx

that sounds fab... well done.
Its much easier if you leave them with someone you are happy with

D xx

That sounds brilliant Mary! I'm so chuffed for you. She sounds like a Gem. Hope it goes well x