HELP - Childcare advice

[Poppy1]

Hi there,

I'm looking for some helpful Childcare advice from local parents.

I am looking into finding part-time (3/4 days a week) Childcare for my Daughter in East Dulwich, starting March 2015. I had hoped to get my daughter into a local nursery, however, I am quickly discovering that there is no availability at all, and I am also finding most places do not return my calls or emails. As a result, I am now starting to panic - a lot!

I really hoped that my daughter could go to a nursery so that she could interact with lots of other children. A Nanny is not really in my budget, which leaves me with looking for a Childminder. I've no idea how to go about finding a Childminder, how much the average rate is and what to look for.

Does anyone have any specific advice? Any helpful tips?

I would really appreciate any insight.

Thanks in advance.

[Mariamadeit]

Keep on at calling nurseries, they are generally busy looking after the children. I can recommend blossoms Montessori, both of my children have thrived there, it is a great nursery.

[Jessicas429]

Look on childcare.co.uk - you can make a profile with your requirements and childminders/nannies can get in touch. I think ?50-?60 per day is standard but not 100% sure.

Jess

[minder]

Phone Southwark Family Information Service and they can put in contact with childminders near you who might have a space.

[esme]

There are lots of recommendations for childminders on here or you can look at the directgov website / ring FIS to get a list as 'minder' above says... I'd go for one close to home or close to your nearest station, in my experience childminders are great but you may need to visit a few to find the right one for you :)

[Convex]

It's worth getting on any nursery lists that you like as well.

You might not get a place straightaway but you might get offered a place in say a years time. Then you have the option of sticking with your existing childcare or not. Also, if your childcare disappears or you are unhappy then you always have options up your sleeve.

I liked the childminders I visited, so don't panic, there are lots of lovely childminders out there! You could also look into a nanny share though this is more expensive than a nursery usually.

Good luck!

[Poppy1]

Thank you everyone so much for your help and advice.

The hunt for a childminder has begun, so do let me know if you come across/know of any fantastic childminders in The area.

Many thanks.

[bobby's bear]

I used a fantastic child minder called Lorraine for three years to look after both my girls and I am a big fan of the home from home environment that the right child minder gives a young child.

Lorraine provided both my children with excellent care and attention and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her.

She is based off Nunhead lane, an easy 20 min walk from East Dulwich. There is parking on her street and she is near Nunhead station for travel into town. We felt she was worth travelling for!

She can be contacted on 07535 038050 or PM me for more info.

[Specklemum]

We found our lovely childminder on this forum. I only had a couple of months to go before I returned to work, so don't worry, you haven't left it too late. I visited a few with my son and we went on gut feeling - I think you'll know the right one when you find them. Obviously it depends on the child, but we felt the family-environment a childminder can provide would suit our son best and it's worked out really well. Also, to reassure you if you do go the childminder route, he does still get a fair amount of interaction with other children. He gets on really well with the childminder's own children as well as the other kids in her care, and they go to plenty of groups together too. Good luck with your search!

[Poppy1]

Thank you BobbysBear.

Speckle mum, do you know if your childminder has any space?

[Specklemum]

Hi Poppy1, have PM'd you.

[redjam]

Do also consider doing a nannyshare - half the cost, plus interaction with another child or children.