nursery or childminder?

[canela]

which is better - childminder or nursery? my daughter is just about to get the 15 hours and i had assumed i would send her to a nursery, but now i'm beginning to think more about a childminder instead. mainly i have to confess because i just cannot face a winter of her being sick all the time - which is what happened when my oldest started nursery. i work full time and she's looked after mostly by my partner as well as occasional childminder/babysitter, and really enjoys playgroups and activities but she's not one for big groups of people.

i suddenly realised i was just putting her down for nursery because that's what everyone does - but she has a lovely childminder so maybe should just stay there?

any thoughts? does it HAVE to be nursery? is it really important?

[oimissus]

I think nursery at age 3 is good as they are more confident (or of not, it helps their confidence - Miss Oi wasn't great with bigger groups but since starting nursery at 2, over the year she's been there her confidence in social situations has grown so much, it's very noticeable) and they like being with other children - I know a lot of people stop using a childminder around this age as they 'grow out' of the smaller setting.

With regard to illness - I would have thought better to get a few colds and whatnot now, rather than when she starts school?

But there's no right or wrong, and not all nurseries / pre-schools are the same, some can be fairly small so have a look around.

[canela]

to be honest, i just can't face the illness over the winter. i don't mind a few colds - it's the tummy bugs that worry me. i know i am over-reacting but i live in fear of the norovirus etc... yes, it's extreme, but i do actually get anxiety attacks over this.... however i am attempting to calm my fears and take the decision based on what is best for my daughter not her crazy mother...

[jennyh]

Bit different as my daughter has been at nursery since she was 8 months old, now 21months and my advice would be to research the nurseries as many can offer a homely environment. I feel fortunate that our nursery seem to be very in tune with individual needs so if there is a timid child or one who isn't as confident the key worker will pay attention to that in a caring and developmental way. I certainly feel my daughter gets excellent one on one care with her development etc. there is never a feeling that she is being rushed or left to get on with it in an environment she's not comfortable with. Not extolling the virtues of nurseries as I know every choice is personal but just to say the right nursery can give you the balance of individual care and a group environment and there might be something to be said for being in a pre-school setting when they are quite adaptable so school isn't such a shock. Just a thought.

Re illness - I totally understand. The long winters of coughs, colds, stomach bugs, eye infections, ear infections are truly horrendous. My daughters last winter was shocking, this one isn't great but I'm taking faith in the fact that eventually she will be stronger and by the time school starts her immune system will be the most prepared it can be so she doesn't end up taking huge amounts of time off when it matters more (in my opinion).

That said if you are happy with your childminder then no reason to change and I am sure your child will grow to be a confident and happy one whatever you choose!

[minder]

canela - of course I would say childminder but a lot does depend on your child's personality and what she is enjoying at the moment.

It also depends on whether your childminder is eligible to receive the 15 hrs free entitlement - only a few in Southwark are, so if she isn't accredited then you will still have to pay her normal childminder fee.

In short the government only pay a childminder so much an hour per 15 hours. In most cases in Southwark it's a lot less than they usually charge so the childminder loses out.

Also there's a lot more paperwork involved!

[canela]

yes i know. don't think her child minDer will keep her on anyway