too big for childminder, too young for school - any suggestions?

[newtoedf]

My almost 4yo has been at the same childminder since he was 8 months. Since September he's had 2.5 days a week at school nursery and 2 days at the childminder and I was planning on that arrangement lasting until he starts reception in September. Unfortunately, I think he's outgrowing the childminder now - really complaining about going every morning (but fine when I pick him up). Has anyone else had the same problem and what did you do?

[ladyruskin]

My 3yo son is at nursery and has mornings where he doesn't want to go, but is fine once he gets there. I have put it down to a phase and also that he's quite a home-body and loves staying at home.

[esme]

I had similar concerns but think childminders are great - not long before "big school" so I'd wait it out :)

[Peachpie]

You could approach the Nursery and ask if any of his friends have nannies or au pairs that he could potentially go and hang out with as a nanny share. We do this for one morning a week, the two girls have a great time playing together in the morning and then go off to nursery in the afternoon. We were not sure how to work it out in the beginning but now it is set up the girls seem to really benefit from the friendship.

[shaunag]

I would suggest going with your gut. If it's niggling away at you that he would be happier elsewhere, then maybe go through the motions to change things. The easy option is to leave things as they are. I did this for too long with my daughter. I moved her to a school nursery in September and she is so so much happier that I'm sorry I didn't change things sooner. It's hard to know where to go, but maybe a change will be enough stimulation to keep him going until September? Best of luck whatever you decide...

[newtoedf]

Thank you for all the replies. Although he loves the babies at the childminder's and he's been with her so long I think the contrast with mixing with his peers at nursery is causing an issue. It doesn't help that he's one of the oldest in the year and is a 2nd child! I can't really decide what to do, the longer we leave it the harder it will be to make a change but having 2 different settings is always going to be tricky for him so there's a chance that different won't actually be better! Maybe the nanny share idea would avoid that though?

[minder]

newtoedf, I agree with esme and think you should wait it out until your son starts big school. Don't worry now while he is still so young.

shaunag's comment about 'maybe a change of stimulation will be enough to keep him going until September'?

It's a shame you think your son is outgrowing his childminder. Why don't you have a chat with him/her to see what's going on as son could just be tired first thing in the morning? Would probably be the same with a nannyshare but even so childminders and nannies go out to lots of places every week.