Nursery or childminder, full-time or part-time???

[tiggerblue10]

Basically I need some advice on what is best as I don't have a clue. My maternaty ends on 12th Feb. but I'm taking a further 4 weeks off annual leave which I have left from this years quota so I'll be going back in March. The thing is I don't know whether to go back full-time or part-time as I don't know if I can afford to do part-time with all my outgoings. I can't work out what vouchers I'm entitled to as I haven't sorted out any childcare yet and they need to know how much it will cost. Can anyone advise what is best?

I went to a childrens centre in my area today and met a few childminders but I know whether to place Little Tiggs in a nursery or with a childminder. I don't know what is best for me and him so I'm asking for a bit of help and opinions. Lt Tiggs will be 9 months in March.

I hope this makes sense!

Thank you

[tiggerblue10]

I know what you mean Annie. I'm dreading going back to work but as I'm on my own I don't have a choice but to go back to work. His dad lives miles away so it is not possible for him to look after him during the day otherwise it would be perfect as he works nights.

[annie0000]

Hope you find a soltion that works for you all tigger nd when it comes to childcare, listen to your instincts. My childminder was in tears when it came to my sons last day with her. I have no doubt that she loved him too. Don't think she was maybe cut out for it to be honest unless she toughened herself up she was in for a lot of heartbreak! Unfortunately we don't even live in the same place anymore, so she has no contact with him at all. she looked after him until he was 11 months old but we moved when he was 2 and a bit and didn't stay in touch which is probably for the best.

[welshlibranr]

Tigger, I would say Nursery every time, if you can afford, then pat time certainly, if not, and you have to do full time, then still Nursery!..................they get so much more stimulation from a GOOD nursery, I advise you to do lots of research to find the best one in your area!.....................

[tiggerblue10]

It must be quite hard to let go if you've been looking after a baby for a long time Annie. You probably have to be mentally trained as a childminder to let go when the time comes. I suppose it is very sad for her that she can't see your little boy anymore having spent so much time with her.

I'll probably put him with a childminder for ono-to-one care for the first few months and then look into nursery when he's about 18 months Welsh.

[tigwig]

Your childminder sounds like me annie! I adore the 2 toddlers I care for and one of them sees me more than her own mum. They have both been really ill recently and I was in floods of tears worried sick like I do my own!
welsh, childminders do also give good stimulation too you know or do you just think that we sit at home watching tv all day? I am only on here through the day when the kids are asleep!

[annie0000]

If you have any space and you live near tigger then that sounds like the ideal solution!

[tigwig]

Ha yes it does but I am full sorry! I have my own 2 which are almost 12mths and 6yrs, then 2 toddlers then another 6 and 10 yr olds. There are loads which are soft like me though, I'm sure tigger will find someone really good.
By the way my cat is called tigger too like yours!

[tiggerblue10]

That would have been perfect Tig :o)

I met a couple of childminders with vacancies at the centre any they seemed lovely. Would need to see their homes too though. I suppose I would also need to find out about the other children in their charge, sleeping facilities and other things before I make my mind up.

I tried to speak with my manager this evening at our do but it wasn't really the time or the place so I'm going into work in January to speak with her.

Thank you all for your valuable input. It has given me plenty of food for thought :o) xxx