In your opinions which is best? I have a very sociable 22 month old who doesn't care whether I'm with him or not...but I also have a very shy and clingy 4 year old who would also need part care when he's not at nursery (until he starts school in September). So I'm basically looking for something that the 4 year old will enjoy and that won't be too stressful for him....but ultimately, something the younger one will enjoy long term, because he'll be there the most.
The hours would be 10-2 daily...so my instincts tell me a childminder would be best, because a nursery is usually a full day solution isn't it?
2007-03-19 07:12:10 · 21 answers · asked by Anon 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Nursery lets kids learn and socialise.
But, childminder's just babysit the kids and look after them.
It might be safer to have a childminder but i loved being brought up in a nursery and would have hate to be brought up with a stranger.
2007-03-19 07:17:39 · answer #1 · answered by Want Your Bad Romance 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with 'Vixwood1' who like me is a qualified childminder. And yes, to those of you out there, we do have to train! My sister is a qualified Nursery Nurse with 10 years experience. So, from both sides of the fence, so to speak: Any child under the age of 2 will benefit from a childminder because of the one-to-one contact and a whole lot of love. As a childminder, I only had 4 children, plus my own, and it was a hive of activity and fun. However, I did realise that by age 3-4 my 'kids' were definately in need of Nursery/Pre-School. I see my sisters schedule on a weekly basis and I am amazed at the activities that they have for 3-5. All of these are governed by OFSTED who visit on a regular basis, just as they do in everyday Primary/Secondary schools. In answer to your question: Yes a 22 month old is of course sociable - he is just a baby - however a 4 year old has totally different needs. Your timings seem to a little off. My sister's nursery starts a 8am - 6pm and caters for children from 6mths - 4/5 yrs. They all have separate classrooms ranging from the baby room to 'rising-fives, which prepares them for pre-school, and all siblings are encouraged to 'intermingle'. I am no longer a childminder but I spent a year at my sisters nursery. If you can find this type of nursery in your area this would be the best choice. The last part of your question reagrding 10-2pm daily. This is wrong, as most nurseries charge for the time your child is there, not for a full day - and you can get vouchers from the government to assist you in childcare - find out about that! Sorry this is long reply - hope it helps!
2007-03-19 15:42:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion a childminder would be best. That way the children will get a much more one on one basis. Rather than at a nursery where there may be 8 or more children to one adult.
Because a childminder uses their home it is a much more friendlier and family orientated atmosphere. However for your 4 year old a nursery might be better as the atmosphere is more school like so it would help prepare him for when he starts school. But saying that most nursery's are open in the morning but a childminder may be able to collect your son from nursery and have him till 2pm.
A childminder is trained (i had to go back to college to get qualified) Also the majority of childminders will arrange stimulating activities like painting, reading etc..... so therefore developing social and academic skills.
2007-03-19 07:37:29 · answer #3 · answered by vixwood1979 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only you can decide- I would love for my daughter to go to a nursery for the social side of things, but like you the hours that I work mean a childminder is more practical. I have been really lucky to find an amazing childminder who as a retired teacher is better qualified and experienced than most nursery staff and as there are 3 other children my daughter does get social interaction. She is learning loads and loves going there. The best thing you can do is go to as many nurseries and childminders as possible and get a feel for what you think is best for your children.
2007-03-20 10:27:35 · answer #4 · answered by Bushbaby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2.5 year old goes to a childminder. To me it's the best of both worlds - a homely environment but also mixing with other children (our minder takes her to toddler groups and also has some older children after school). I never found a nursery that could offer the variety of activities because the children are tied to one location but a good minder will go on many outings to parks/attractions/museums/swimming etc etc. It does totally depend on finding a minder you all like and trust though. I suggest you take your babies with you to meet some minders and also check out some nurseries. It's likely that you'll get a feel for where they'll be happiest by their reaction.
(p.s. in the UK registered childminders have to be qualified, insured and inspected just like nurseries)
2007-03-20 10:30:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an ex nanny i would always choose a nursery over a childminder, at a nursery your child will be surrounded by lots of other children and many carers so it will be easier to spot if your child or other children are unhappy, with a childminder you cant pick and choose your off days and don't forget they don't have the constant love for your child that you have on an off day, I'm not saying anybody would harm your child but i would just feel safer if my children were surrounded by lots of carers and other happy children
2007-03-19 22:00:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2 girls went to nursery. One of the nursery's was bad and she ended up going to a very good childminder.
However I always felt a good nursery is the best as they are trained professionals. Some nursery's do offer place by the hour. It would also help you 4 year old prepare better for school.
2007-03-19 07:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by pammy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2 year old who I am looking into putting him in nursery for many reasons. I want him to gain social and interactive skills among other children, to learn his motor skills, numbers, painting etc. I don't believe a childminder can do this.
Nursery would be the best option because of the social needs of our children.
2007-03-19 07:21:08 · answer #8 · answered by Mum-Ra 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nursery is better in the long run because you cant always take off work when kids dont feel too good nurserys usually take them in and a childminder wouldnt well here in the uk anyway
2007-03-22 01:55:32 · answer #9 · answered by forevertrue14 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nursery i thought about a child minder but if there ill you have to be off work you don't have that problem at nursery my daughter goes 2 days a week and loves it they play out paint sing all that and she's just 1 !!! and you can take them at the time you want they open before 12.30 like the lady above said they didn't my daughter goes 8.00 till 5.30 xx
oh and they don't get passed from one to the other there are three people in my daughters room and she is with one of them all the time and always smiles when she see them so the lady above is v wrong
2007-03-19 09:20:58 · answer #10 · answered by noot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋