Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

5 Weeks away from returning to work after a very enjoyable 6 months maternity leave. I am frantically vetting childminders and nurseries for the best childcare possible for my little angel, Olivia

WHAT A NIGHTMARE!!!!!:confused:

Who's good enough? Who's going to look after my baby as though she's the most preciuos thing in the world?

My quest started in nurseries local to me and i've come unstuck!! Not one has a place available for a 6 month old baby. So, i 'm now on childminders!!! All the stories you see on the news don't help, Reminding you of 'worse case scenarios'. All this worry and decision making makes me wonder whether returning to work IS such a good idea? Is it worth this upset i am feeling?

2 days ago i was raring to get back to work, now i've confirmed my hours and start date it's quite upsetting!!

enough babble!! Any words of wisdom from working mothers or Childminders

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Where abouts are you?

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

We put Siobhan into Oscar bears at 4 months for 2 days a week, Have you tried there? She loves it and you can see how much she enjoys going and playing with the other children from the pictures of the Christmas party here
http://www.siobhan-nadya-entwistle.m...ars/index.html


Yes, our chlild has her own domain already :)

You will find my husband is the resident geek!

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

I know exactly what you are going through.....my daughter had the same problems when she went back to work after her first baby......she thought that she had found a place only to find out the week before returning to work that the place was no longer free.......so I got the job. It doesn't help when you read the adverse reports of what a nursey education is SUPPOSED to do for your child. Personally, I think children do well at either nursery or a good child minder.....it makes them much less clingy when they go to school......they learn social interaction. Go with your gut instincts.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Near police station Accrington, but i've got to drop one child at school for 8.55, take olivia to wherever then get to work by 9.15

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Oscar Bears open at 8 o clock, so you should have no problems, I am usually in and out within a couple of minutes of dropping Siobhan off.

They also give you a daily report of what your child has done during the day right down to how many nappies they have changed and what type i.e dirty or wet.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

[quote=Margaret Pilkington] Personally, I think children do well at either nursery or a good child minder.....it makes them much less clingy when they go to school.......[/quo]

Oh Margaret !! What a very wide statement ... gotta' say, load of crap about the clingy bit.. anyway, that for another thread.

TracyO .. was in same position as Margaret and was 'obligated' to look after grandaughter from 6 weeks overnight mostly (daughter on nights) as well as doing job meself and bringing up 7 year old son. Grandaughter went to the one at Clayton whilst I was at work and was well looked after ... very impressed. Can't remember the name though .. on Pickup Street. Don't worry too much (know you will though .. natural) .. nurseries and childminders seem to be very well vetted these days. xx

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

My daughter went there was called first class nursery, pick up st. She went there from three months up till going to school and then joined the morning and after school club. My personal opinion they were absolutely brilliant and never grumbled about them at all.

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Depends where you work too, but I know of a fab childminder in Clayton if you want details pm me.. She had both my boys and treated them very much like they were part of the family and that extended to her parents too. Many a time I caught her dad enjoying a game of cricket with my lads :)

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

[quote=katex]very sorry katex but I totally agree with margaret. I have had three children and two of them I went back to work early and they went to nursery and they were far less clingy than my last chid. Autumn is now 5 and she is at school and is a night mare.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

[quote=emmatjackson]First of all .. sorry Margaret, didn't mean to be rude.

All a matter of one's experiences, however, I can only say was at home with both my children for their first few years, and never had any problems when they went to school (probably glad to see the back of me :) ).. first day always traumatic anyway, even for nursery children as they are still switching their day-to-day environment. When you are at home, there are usually play groups,etc., which give the children opportunity to re-act with other children, and I also spent time 2/3 times a week enjoying the company of other mothers at home.
Just saying you can't put a wide statement on this.

Anyway, hope Tracey sorts things out .. wish I could help, but obviously not involved anymore with this world.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Have you tried Heathland - it's excellent and very close to you up on Sandy Lane.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

It is OK Katex.......I didn't perceive it as being rude......just an opinion......and everyone is entitled to one of those! I know all children are different but I do believe that children who are socialised well with other children from outside their own family are less clingy when they do go to school.......that is my experience.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

I totally agree with you. Both of my two went to nursery from about six months - three days a week and two days at home at first. Maddie then went to St Mary's and Zack has done a preprep year at Heathland but he's going to St Mary's this year. They are both confident, happy and both fully settled in their schools - there wasn't even a hesitation on their first days and I have no issues about when Zack goes to St Mary's.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

I was at home with mine until they went to school, then I went back to work full time. Just to put a spanner in some of the comments about clinginess, my eldest cried when I picked him UP from playgroup.

Note to HR... Bad mother, bad mother ;)

Hope you followed up on the Pm and that she had a space for your daughter, you won't regret it!!! :)

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

its always very hard to go back to work and leave your baby for the first time especially if its your first child, ive done it with all my 3 lads and it doesn't get any easier, but i agree, it definatley developes excellent social and learning skills if the children attend a good nursery or have good child care. I can recommend heathland my nephew has attended since he was 12 weeks old and he's 2 now, he's so well developed and bright and his social skills are excellent, i think the ratio is 1 nursery nurse to 3 babys they have gardens and soft play areas kindergarton the staff are excellent and very friendly and they have a private school attatched.I hope you manage to get sorted out soon and good luck for when you go back to work.:)

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

[quote=carolef] but i agree, it definatley developes excellent social and learning skills if the children attend a good nursery or have good child care. /quote]

There you go again >>>> generalising >>> like children who don't attend nurseries, child care .. don't ??

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

[quote=katex]just my opinion i don't think i'm generalising i can only give my own personal opinion from my own experience:)

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

There is so much guilt heaped on Mum's who need to access childcare so that they can return to work.....I think you have to look at the positive aspects of good child care...whether it is provided by nursery or child minder, or indeed a family member. I have said in all my posts to this thread that my observations are from personal experience........I have also said that all children are different and that Mum's need to go with their gut feeling as they know their child best. In an ideal world it would be unnecessary for mothers to leave their children and go out to work......or maybe that would be ideal for the child but maybe not for all mums(generalising again) :)

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Thanks for all your opinions they've got my mind buzzing with questions and possibilities!! Me and My boyfriend going to see a childminder tomorrow and i'm going to look at nurseries in a wider area. i was trying to look at the ones on route but that isn't happening. Its such a big decision, can't afford to make the wrong one!!!!

My boyfriend solved the problem today (well in his own little world) HE will become a house husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best laugh i've had all week.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

I think that the point of this post was for Tracey to find out what other members experiences had been and maybe hope that there was some help out there. Tracey......I hope you get sorted. A happy mother makes for a happy baby.....and vice versa.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Hi Tracy.... I presume you are the Tracy whos going to be working with me in a few weeks. which School does Sam go to?

Ring me at work if you like and I'll tell you about Emilys nursery.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Our Siobhan has a balance of childcare, When Julie was looking to go back to work we found what we believe is a good compromise. Siobhan goes to Oscar Bears 2 days a week(Tues/Thurs) Julies mum looks after her from 8-2 2 or three days a week with me doing a 9 day fortnight( i.e I fit 2 weeks work into 9 working days) and I spend the other day looking after Siobhan. So she has a balance of nursery and all the distractions that offers, Grandma with all the support that family bring, Julie in the afternoons and me(Daddy) spending a whole day with her We do stuff like swimming, feeding ducks, going to see other Nanna etc on the afternoons and my non working day. I know I'm lucky that my employer lets me do the flexible working pattern.

Ian

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Both my children went to childminders and then to nursery. My two grandchildren are also at nursery, Finn part time and Helena full time. Both of them seem to love it. A good childminder is a true blessing. Mine, Margaret, was absolutely wonderful. The first few days/weeks are awful, you hate leaving them, but eventually you will be glad you did. I agree with Margaret, early interaction with other children is good - especially for only children, because they learn to give and take.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Very true Margaret, i myself have no option but to stay at home or find something within school hours again very limited plus being able to afford to provide financially on small hours. Fortunately the pre-school childcare is more accessible than of school age, though depending on area in which you live & where your child will go to school is dependant on whether there is choice of affordable childcare available.

As margaret says you know yourselves, what you want & your child so in better position to decide although i know its not easy either way. Good Luck:)

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Oh dear Pendy, didn't really wish to thread wander as initially to help Tracy, think everybody is though, however, 'only' children can be, on the whole, and in my personal experience.. tee hee., very loving and generous children because they are not thrown into a territorial situation with siblings. Always pleased to have the opportunity to share their possesions with other children.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

The decision has been made!!!

I am pleased to announce the provider for my angels childcare 2006 is.............

OSCAR BEARS

A friends mum works there (always an advantage to know someone i say), its on route for both children, they have a place available and the money aint to bad either.

Thanks again to everyone who posted and thanks to buttonsmum for the party picks (they sold it!)

Tracy xx

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Looks like I'm a little too late for advice, but I'm glad you got sorted. Same thing happened to me in 2003, found a place in Haslingden at the last minute so I know exactly what you've been thinking!
My 9 year old goes to the holiday club at Oscar Bears and I've never had any problems with them at all. All the staff are lovely and get on really well with my son, and I can't fault Fran. She always knows who I am when I ring to book Lewis in for a school holiday, and always has time for a chat even if it seems like chaos all around her! with all those names/faces to remember every day I don't know how she does it, but she does and you can't fake that kind of personal attention.
I would highly recommend Oscar Bears to anyone, I hope your experience is the same TracyO. And give it a good few months to get used to working again and 'leaving' your baby. It was really hard this time for me, but I didn't really have much choice about going to work or not. The reward I get every day is the HUGE smile and the 'Mummy!' from Riley when I pick him up. It's so nice to have that, it really is.
Harwood Red - Im enjoying it while it lasts :D

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Just to let you know Fran has now left Oscar Bears and is working down Clayton.

But we still find the staff very good. Olivia will love it at Oscar Bears and should be in the same baby room with Siobhan. Hope all goes well with your start back at work.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Thanks Julie!!!

I'm still a bit wary but isn't any mother. Feeling a lot better about the whole thing in general

when does siobhan go?? we might see each other pm me!!!

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Siobhan goes Tuesdays and Thursadys, 8-5:30 ish

I usually pick her up on Thursdays

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Olivia going to be going on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

We may see you on a Tuesday then!

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Whilst I found Oscar Bears to be a really good place when both Zack and Maddie were very young I have to say that the pre school year is a little lacking. They were excellent with looking after the children and their general health and well being was well catered for. I just felt that in the final year they should be doing a bit of preparation for school. When Maddie was there she was the second oldest child there for a whole year and I felt that they didn't give her any challenges when she was so ready to go to school. Within six weeks of school she'd been challenged far more than a year at Oscar Bears and was moved rapidly up to the next class. With Zack we moved him out of Oscar Bears for his preschool year and he's being challenged and motivated every day.

So, I totally think you're in the right place for now but I think what I'm saying is that you shouldn't remain too loyal later on if it's better to move your child to a more challenging environment.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Why ? Why should a child be 'challenged' pre-school ? Let them enjoy the play, plenty of time to learn >>> if necessary, parents can handle this at home should they wish to learn a little more. Not particular good for them to start school, knowing how to read, mathematical calculations before their years unless they are, of course, one of the many children born with the affliction of genius.

'Tis difficult, I know when a child is born June > August and a year to wait until they can go to school, however, they do catch up within the first year as my son proved, and predicted by the teachers.

Pre-school is surely 'pre-school'.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Because they are like sponges at that age and some children demand more information and more learning - if some children remain unchallenged they get bored and restless and disruptive.

Yes, playing is good and I'm not saying that it's not important but a bright child that is bored can be a huge problem. Also, if they are the oldest and brightest in a group then other children look up to them.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Sponges .. yes, I agree humans learn more in their first five years of life than the rest of it, but doesn't have to be academic learning all the time, if they are the brightest and oldest in a group and other children look up to them surely better to teach them communication skills and how to pass on their maturity, learning and caring, beats me why they should be bored and disruptive ?
Even if a child learns to read pre-school, they won't fair any better at school if they have reached their level of intelligence; other children will soon catch up and supersede them, with more academic talent.
Sorry, Gayle, but smacks of pushy mother to me.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

No, not at all pushy just going off experience. Maddie was bored rigid for her final preschool year and quite unhappy, she got to a point where she really wasn't interested in going in. All she wanted to do was find out more about school. Being challenged isn't just a case of reading and writing, but it is slightly more than watching TV and letting them play with dolls.

Zack was the same and was starting to get bored. So I moved him and now he's in with a mixed year group, half of whom are older than him and he's happy again. My only regret is that I didn't fully recognise what was going on with Maddie and I left her in an environment that wasn't right for her during that final year.

You know me and you should know that my two children are the most important people in my life. They are both quite bright and want to learn new stuff every day. I don't think I'm being pushy by providing stimulation for them, I'm trying to cater for their needs.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Touche Gayle, but as said before, all about knowing your own children, isn't it ? and their needs and not all children would wish to be moved anywhere else if you understand me, but to be fair to you ,you did state if its better for your children (Tracy's that is).

Still, however,you are only covering what you feel is a particular hard year and that extra formative year will not have any great benefit to them as they progress through their school life, as they would have shone through anyway.

Re: Childcare Nightmare!!!
 

Thanks Katie and yes, every child is very different. I'm not knocking Oscar Bears either because they were great with my kids and Maddie still goes to after school club there as will Zack when he's at school.

All I was saying really is that it's very easy to be loyal to a place because they've looked after your children well for three years. I was with Maddie and I don't think it did anyone any favours but I made the decision with Zack to move him and it was a good decision.