Childcare in ED

[Big Jim]

We're set to become first time parents in October and we're already getting stressed re: childcare. One of us giving up work isn't an option and trying to find a nursery is proving almost impossible - massive waiting lists, won't take them until 18/24 months etc. What do other non-loaded ED parents do? Any suggestions?

[Fuschia]

Find a good childminder, better for a small baby, anyway.

You can get a list from Southwark of local minders with vacancies, but nopoint looking till a few months before you need them.

[Ant]

I'd recommend putting the kid down on the waiting list now for a couple of nurseries that you like the look of and then, closer to the time, do as Fuschia suggests and find a good childminder. By the time the nursery place comes up the kid will probably be old enough to make the move from childminder to nursery.

[safesurfer]

have you tried mother goose nursery in greendale - they take babies from around 7/8 months.

[Coach Beth]

We used a childminder when our child was 6 months to 14 months and then, as she decided to give up childminding, we found a nursery we liked and our boy has been there ever since.

The problem with trying to put your name down for a nursery now is that most won't put your name down untill your child is born. And, as Fushia says, childminders as well won't be able to tell you if they can give you a place till a few months before you want it. The best thing to do is to get the list of childminders from Southwark Council's Children's Informatin Service, and do a shortlist of ones you would consider based on their description. Then you could ring them up to get a bit more idea of what they are like and the hours they do. Then, you should have a good shortlist which you can use nearer the time.

Good luck!

[Asset]

absolutely definitely get name on list at nursery now. Childminder from 6 months. I have used 2 registered childminders in the area over the last couple of years who have both been fab. PM if you want details.

[dulwichmum]

Every nursery is different though, and for example DUCKS will tell you (at the moment) that there is no point in joining their waiting list if you are more than 26 weeks pregnant, as it is too late! People sometimes find that they can manage on reduced hours and you could meet someone who would be great to have a nanny share with. Join the NCT - it is a great way to network and explore all of the options.

Don't bother with any extra anxiety when you are pregnant, you will be surprised how your expenditure changes and you can make do when you have a little one. I stopped spending money on socialising, travel to work, lunches, beauty treatments, clothes, shoes, my personal trainer, exotic holidays, magazines and my hair - (OHMYGOD! only for about a month I admit) and saved a small fortune (sigh)!

[Asset]

you make up for it in Chablis and au pairs though eh?

[kristymac1]

Bright Horizons nursery (in Sainsbury's carpark) will let you register pre-birth. As for finding a decent childminder, they are like gold dust - just gone through the whole (stressful) process ourselves and thank God have found one who we really like - the Southwark Council list is filled with some 'interesting' options, however have a couple of friends who are very happy with the childminders they have - PM me for their details.

As an aside, if possible I think it's better to have the little'uns with childminders/nannies when they're really little and nursery when they're a bit older - more 1-to-1ish care IMO.

Good luck

[dulwichmum]

Darling Asset - clearly! And anyway, as I said, my personal hardship was really only endured for days actually (hours to be honest, I am frightfully rich afterall!).. hic.

[tommy]

Big Jim - good luck. We're going to be first time parents in Oct as well - looking forward to it

[Moos]

One option is a nannyshare, which costs about the same as a nursery. Try www.nannyshare.co.uk - and best of luck finding a solution which works for you.

[Vik]

We found our great childminder on Childcarelink, Just enter your requirements and it will come up with a list of options (all registered) I called loads, visited just 2, both great, and our 1 year old has been with our childminder for 3 months and clearly loves her.

Unfortunately some childminders will want you to pay them to keep a place open for your child, which can be costly but it's deffo worth exploring all options now.

[Big Jim]

Thanks for all the advice folks, it's been a great help.

[lorraineliyanage]

Have you looked into the childcare offered by Southwark Council. It's at the Thomas Calton Day Care Centre in Peckham and if you contact them now, the list should be open for September 2008 and onwards.

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/educationandlearning/AdultLearning/creche.html

[albert]

Why don't you try getting in touch with Simply Childcare - they're a magazine based in Camberwell that put people in touch with each other - like nannies in the area, other parents who want a nanny-share, child-minders etc etc. I found my child-minder/nanny through them 6 and a half years ago and she is still with us. They're very helpful and offer an advice service as well. Just google them.

[knackered cow]

I have been in childcare for 15 years and have worked mostly as a nanny but have also worked as a childminder and worked in nurseries. I would highly recommend a childminder or nanny as childcare for a young baby. Nannies can be expensive but it's possible to do a nanny share. A nanny should also be resposible for kids clothes/washing, make fresh meals, keep toys tidy, take baby on outings to socialise with others and take baby to the clinic etc A REAL + POINT! Nursery staff, however good they might be could be tempted not to give the babies as much attention especially if they're quiet. I have also noticed children that have been in nursery care can be very sociable and confident but at the same time can be aggressive! Childminding is somewhere in the middle depending on how many children she/he might be caring for as this can limit how much they go on outings. Like nannies, it's nice for a young child to have 1 adult to seek the attention of...I could go on but I'm babbling now!

There are various websites to find childcare but try nannyjob.co.uk, gumtree, nannyshare.co.uk to name but a few

Get the chilminder list from Southwark

[dulwichmum]

Simply Childcare is indeed a great resource Albert. You can find them online and subscribe for 3 months at a time I think?

[Ant]

I have been in childcare for 15 years...

That explains the name then. :D

[teagan]

Hi Big Jim

Have you thought about a nursery near where you work? When I went back to work after my first child I put her in nursery next to my office in the city. It was great as I wasn't rushed at the start or end of the day and if I felt inclined I could see her at lunchtime too!

Now I don't work in the city anymore but my children are in nursery near waterloo which is on my husband's way to work so he can help with picking up or dropping off too.

Best wishes

Lucy

[Mrs Iggy Pop]

Hi

Have you tried Asquith Nurseries (West Dulwich or Peckham Rye). They take babies from 3 months, and whilst they may have a waiting list, it's nothing compared to some of those around.

If you work in the City or Docklands, I would recommend against taking the children to a nursery near where you work, unless of course you drive in. Rush Hour + pram is not a great idea (if you can avoid it).

[huncamunca]

Big Jim Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> We're set to become first time parents in October

> and we're already getting stressed re: childcare.

> One of us giving up work isn't an option and

> trying to find a nursery is proving almost

> impossible - massive waiting lists, won't take

> them until 18/24 months etc. What do other

> non-loaded ED parents do? Any suggestions?

We have been extremely happy with Asquith Peckham Rye. The nursery is part of a big chain but specialises in babies and toddlers so I would hope would not have too long a waiting list. The building is purpose built, has an outside playground and grassed garden and is lovely all round. Needless to say the staff are lovely. Take a look!

[littleEDfamily]

We do a combo of nanny and nursery close to work. It gives a nice balance of the child being in own home (and us not having the hassle of drop off and pick up), and the socialising and facilities of nursery. If you're anything like us, you may find that you never find the perfect solution, and just when you think you have circumstances change and it's all change.

[cicelyl]

This might be a silly question, but was what is the difference between a nanny and a childminder. It might be that I am not from the UK originally, but not sure what the difference is.....all I know is that I will need one/both/either in eight months!

[Moos]

Childminder is usually a parent, who looks after another baby/child as well as his/her own, in his/her own house. Nanny will come to your house to look after your child(ren), unless you have a nanny share in which case the nanny will look after the kids of more than one family, again in their own houses. Both are semi-regulated: have a look at SureStart for more information.

In terms of notice periods, nurseries generally have very long waiting lists so you can't start looking too soon. Childminders and nannies are much more about finding a personality fit, so although really good ones of course get snapped up quickly, most people seem to be able to find the right one in 3 to 5 months. And reference, reference, reference.

It's not a silly question at all, there's just a huge amount of information to take on board when you have your first child. Good luck finding the right thing!