I am going for a job interview tomorrow, and I have a 7 month old daughter, I am scared to death about leaving her if I get the job, can anyone recommend a good child minder or nursery.

where abouts are you?? my auntie child minder

[QUOTE=bobgirlsnake;3385082]where abouts are you?? my auntie child minder[/QUOI

I live in Grenoside

shes in chapeltown if you pm me your details i could pass them on to her

I'll wait to see what happens in the interview, but thanks i may just do that

Good luck with the interview. Not sure if you've found it yet, but If you go into the Special Interest Groups Section and then into the Parenting group you'll find a lot of helpful information as well as lots of other things about parenting.

Hi

I have a job interview tomorrow, I am scared of leaving my 7 month old daughter if I get the job, I already have a boy of 5 yrs but for some reason I am more nervous of leaving my little girl. Maybe its because she is a girl! Can anyone recommend GOOD childcare?

Hi my name is Sue i am a registered childminder i live in the S20 area i have excellent refrences if interested get in touch. 07988910822

HI I know what you mean I was very weary of leaving my 2 boys when I went back to work but find 2 excellent childminders.

I have now decided to become a childminder and will be registered in the next 6-8 weeks, I'm sure you will feel okay about it when you find someone you can trust.

I am in the Sheffield 8 Norton area if you want to contact me about childcare

Welcome, Mrs moo.

It's natural to hate to leave them, as I'm sure you know. Best of luck finding a good childcarer.
If you let us know which postcode or are you live in, people will bebetter able to offer recommendations.

Merged similar threads into Parenting as most suitable group.

I manage the website AskSID.net. We have complied information on and relating to Children, Young People, Parents/Carers and Practitioners. These have been put into Zones for ease of navigating the information.
...........................


You are posting the same message all over the forum.

Why not just start a new thread containing your information instead of all this spamming against the forum rules?

Where has the other childcare thread gone??

Anyway, I'll put my details on this one.

I will be registered as a Childminder by the beginning of September. I live at the Newfield Green end of Gleadless Valley.
I have completed my Developing Quality Practitioners course, Pediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and an online Safeguarding Course.
I am booked to attend a workshop called 'Every Disabled Child Matters' along with further Safeguarding training. I am also about to start my NVQ Level 3 CCLD.

I offer flexible and affordable childcare in my home from home setting. I grow fruit and vegetables in my garden along with baking bread daily. I have a large secure back garden for free flowing outside play.

The activities I offer include, baking, cooking, sewing, knitting, painting, drawing, clay, sensory play dough, arts and crafts and each child will have their own 'mini' garden to grow what ever they wish.

For more information please see

www.flutterbyes.org.uk

removed removed

hi joi5ey,

i have sent you a PM

Im due back to work in Jan and I am having a few issues with work not wanting me to do less hours, however I have seen a new job which I am interested in applying for however it would be working 4 days on 4 days off, long days and I am trying to work out whether this is a good or a bad thing. Would mean I wouldnt see much of lo when im working but then would get 4 days at home with him! Obviously there is childcare to think of, my mum is doing some of it and hubby doing rest but I am keen not to expect her to do too much, but if I was to go for this job, it would mean once every 8 weeks she would have him 4 full days until late on during the evening, but then some weeks when im working weekends hubby will have him, but my main concern is, if we want him to go to nursery would they allow us to change the days he goes or are they strict in it being the same day every week, I guess they are to allow them to plan places etc.

Does anyone work simular shifts and how does it work for you? Its a lot more money too which is handy!

I work shifts and childcare is a nightmare. I haven't found any nursery or childminder that is local to me, that allows you to change the days you need to use their service, in that I had to be contracted to set days but if there was room for them to be flexible they would do it on an ad hoc basis.

I now rely completely on various friends and family.

Scoop can I ask you what shifts you do?
I suppose the only option is to let him go nursery on a set day and if it falls on a day when im not working he could still go, but then that defeats the object of me doing those shifts to spend time with him, or pay for the days then he isnt there.

because of the rotating nature of your shifts even though you would only be working 4 days, you would in effect be taking up a full time place. hence the reason why childminders and nurseries may be unable to take your LO, unless you paid for a full time place. Also there is the late night aspect, most nurseries close at 6pm, I normally only work till 6pm, latest for me would be 7pm. I wish you luck finding childcare!

Where abouts in sheffield are you?

Scoop can I ask you what shifts you do?
I suppose the only option is to let him go nursery on a set day and if it falls on a day when im not working he could still go, but then that defeats the object of me doing those shifts to spend time with him, or pay for the days then he isnt there.

I do 12.5 hour day and night shifts 7.30am/pm -8.00am/pm (two per week), with no set pattern. My little one is at school now so its just a matter of finding someone to have him from 8am on a school day (when my husband leaves for work) take him to school and them to pick him up and look after him til husband gets home at 6.30.
When I am on nights my husband brings little one to work to meet me, he goes to work and I take little one to school on the way home, then sleep til it's time to pick him up.

When he was smaller he used to go to nursery one full day, my manager at that time was very accomodating and allowed me to work my shifts around that and my husbands days off. However my new manager is very inflexible, and expects everyone to be available for all shifts, so life is very difficult. I'm very lucky to have lots of friends and family who will help.

Its worth looking at the policies of your current and prospective new employer to find out what is in place to make life easier for parents and also dont forget the childrens information centre on surrey street (they've changed their name recently but i can't remember the new name), they have lists of nurseries and childminders in your area, you might be lucky and find one who is willing to do flexible days.

Hi,

I work at a nursery and we have lots of children that have shift working parents. They change their days all the time. We just get a photocopy of the parents shift pattern at the beginning of the month so we know when to expect them.

On the cost side of things, it works out that you book your child in for a certain number of sessions a month (depending on average how many of your shifts fall in the weekdays) and if you need more you just book extra sessions

hope that helps

hi were in Sheffield are you I'm a child minder and I work 6 in morning till 9-10 at night as I have had parents that work shifts

Hi, I work different shifts each week, but I have a flexible childminder who allows me to change the days I take my child.
My little girl also goes to Nursery one day a week every thursday, but they are strict about not allowing me to change the days, so I send her to nursery and have a day to myself once in a while.

I think you would need to check your nursery - I know the one my little one goes to is fully booked and so I can never get an extra session if I need to - which is good in one sense, shows it's a good nursery but not for those needing extra sessions! I think Childminders may be better as I know some that do work long hours (from 7 am - 7 pm) but as other pp said, you will probably have to pay even though you may not use it.

Hi

I have a job interview tomorrow, I am scared of leaving my 7 month old daughter if I get the job, I already have a boy of 5 yrs but for some reason I am more nervous of leaving my little girl. Maybe its because she is a girl! Can anyone recommend GOOD childcare?

hi my names michelle im an ofsted registered(good grade )childminder i have vacancies in s13 handsworth area i have 8 years experience mainly with young babies and young children.I have full and part time vacancies.
I can collect from Balifield school and nursery and also st josphes nursery.
I have a home from home enviroment and believe the happiness of every child is of upmost importance.
I have completed courses in safe guard training,childrens first aid,birth to three matters,baby signing,food hygiene,childrens behaviour,special needs and am crb checked.
feel free to visit my home and see my policies and certificates refferences can be seen .
please telelphone 01142548762 or 07761578779

I need childcare for a 20 mth old for 3 days only.
It will be half a day, for 3 Tuesday mornings.

Need something near home, S5, City center or on tram route.

Any recommendations?

wot kind off childcare u looking for ?

The Megacentre has a creche you could maybe leave your little one in? Or is there anywhere like The Centre in Norfolk Park near you, they have a creche too? I don't know if nurseries will take him/her just for 3 days but it might be worth asking.

Me and my OH have started thinking ahead and decided that the next 'project' after our wedidng will be children. being the control freak i am i just wondered how much childcare would cost roughly?

thanks x

Have a look on here :)

http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/article.php?sid=292

This survey is more up-to-date!

http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/mod/fileman/files/Cost_survey2008.pdf

A lot :gag:

Seriously, though, it's very difficult to give you an estimate. Do you have family who will help out? Do you plan to work full time? Part time? What kind of childcare would you want? Nursery, childminder, nanny? How much do you earn? There are tax credits and childcare vouchers to take some of the weight, and these are down to how much you earn/how many hours you work.

As a guide, my nursery costs approx. £35 a day for each child, raw. That is, not taking into account tax credits or vouchers.
Childminders tend to cost a bit less.
Then there are community nurseries, which are subsidised if you meet their requirements.

I'd forego worrying about it, and just get on with it. If you knew the real monetary cost of raising a child, you'd die. In reality, your budget stretches to cope in a remarkable fashion (hey, far fewer nights out, for a start:hihi:) and once you have them in your arms, you'd give every penny on earth for them.

thanks, im trying to work out how many days a week i would have to work really. i am planning on working 2 days a week, but obv depends on costs of everything.

god its scary even contemplating having a child in 2 years!!!

At the lower end of the working hours scale, you need to have a good long look at things. Depending on your wage, you could end up paying more in childcare than you bring home.

Again as a for instance, I work 4 days a week. My children only go to nursery for 2 of those. My second child is over 3 therefore gets some hours free. My childcare bill still comes to almost exactly half my pay, before tax credits.
I keep mentioning tcs as a possibility rather than a certainty because they are almost impossible to work out for yourself, and if they say they got it wrong, you can end up owing them. Making them an added stress as much as a help.

Don't think too hard about it, lol.

Hi my name is Helen

I'm an Ofsted registered childminder in the Firth Park area of Sheffield. I'm CRB checked, First Aid trained, fully insured and have a level 3 Childcare qualification.

Children in my care are looked after in a fun, warm, family environment. They take part in lots of activities both inside and outside my home such as; painting, drawing, sand and water play, singing, stories, role play, going to the park, going to the library, attending local toddler groups etc.

I currently have a part time vacancy for a child aged one year or above. Any questions please do not hesitate to ask on the forum or by PM. :)

Hi all!

Right I have posted in General but guess here is a good place to ask about childcare! I know there are stickys up top but I wanted some advice and help on my situation.

I have 2 kids, and am a student nurse (on mat. leave at mo, back later in year, need childcare from Jan 2010).

Kids will be 3yrs 4 months and 9 months.

Uni bursary pays 85% of childcare but only up to a maximum amount, which isn't enough to afford 2 kids in private full time nursery.

I knwo the eldest will get the free 15 hrs (only during school terms though) which would help in a private nursery but as I would only have £20ish remaining from my childcare funding after paying the cost for my youngest (for the week) it doesn't cover anywhere near the amount payable for the eldest, even with those free hours and on the months, esp summer term, where she would not get the free hours for a few weeks during summer hols, I would struggler even more. Well.. not struggle really, it would be impossible to pay.

I wanted to get the eldest in local nursery (Woodseats) but even though I applied months ago, she does not have a place for Sept 09 (depsite me beign told she would). Apparantly it gos on her DOB, and as she's an August baby she's one of the younger ones. She *may* have a place in Jan, but I won't know until Nov, which is a bit late to leave it if not.

Plan was- get her a place in Woodseats, then pay a CM to take her/pick her up on the weeks I couldn't get her there or pick her up. This would be from the childcare allowance. The youngest would have been cared for by a relative.

BUT

Relative has dodgy health and it's not fair to expect her to have the baby, plus not reliable for me to rely on her.

Eldest- don't know if she has a nursery place at Woodseats for Jan anyway, wanted one for Sept as could have took her myself until I started uni, got a friend to take her until Jan then got a CM to take her/pick her up etc from Jan.

I need childcare for both. I want the eldest to mix with kids. She will start school in Jan 2011 I guess when she will be 4yrs 4 months, so wanted her to have a year mixing with kids. But I know it's not compulsary. The youngest I would prefer with relatives just because of her age but as that's a no-go it's either private nursary (but would have to be seperate from her sister unless I fine one in Sheffield that opens early and gives some sort of discount for siblings). or a CM.

Was thinking maybe a CM around the Woodseats area, or the area of whatever state nursery I can get her in, who starts early and does school trips as then CM could have both then take eldest to nursery/pick her up where needed and also have eldest during school holidays.

I am so stuck, no idea where to start (have contacted sheff info link for CM info), or how others manage it.

Help anyone? Please?! !!!:confused::):D

Hi

Goodness sounds very complicated. First of all what hours are you wanting childcare for? Where are you doing your study/placements? Only asking because it could mean more options. Is the study/placement term time only or all year?

hi hun you could always put your oldest in private nursery for 15 hours it doesnt have to be a school nursery, you could also pay your childminder with the 15 hours as long as they are registered hope that helps if not om me and i will explain better

Hi

Busymum- Well as the horus at uni/placement vary I would need 2 x full time places Mon-Fri 7am-6pm. It doesn't mean the kids would have to be cared for every week all week but that's the earliest and latest I would need.

I am based at Hallam Uni on Eccy Rd, and we have a couple of long placements per yr, ranging from 5 to 12 weeks.

Mary- I could pay a private nursery with the free hours I suppose, I am just confused because then I would be paying a CM for a full time place for the baby, and then would have to pay her for the hours she would have my eldest. She would also have to take my child to her private nursery place and/or pick her up (depending on what I am doing), and also in the school hols I would have to pay both the nursery and the CM. I am so confused!

It would be easier to use my 15 free hours with the CM and have them both with the same CM, duno how it works as uni pay 85% of childcare costs up to a max, but obv AFTER the free childcare allowance is taken away, no idea how they sort all this out though.. if anyone can help I would be appreciative!

Thasnk so far ladies :-) xxx

Hi, I'm going to have a similar predicament next year as i'm going back to college (nursing) and have three young kids. Have you tried the sheffield children and young people services in town they hold information about all aspects of childcare, schools, funding for child care etc and you can see them in person which would probably be best for you as it sounds quite complicated, or ask for the info to be sent out. Its a free service run by the council their address and number is
11 Leopold Street
Sheffield
S1 2GY (0114) 275 6699

Hi, I'm going to have a similar predicament next year as i'm going back to college (nursing) and have three young kids. Have you tried the sheffield children and young people services in town they hold information about all aspects of childcare, schools, funding for child care etc and you can see them in person which would probably be best for you as it sounds quite complicated, or ask for the info to be sent out. Its a free service run by the council their address and number is
11 Leopold Street
Sheffield
S1 2GY (0114) 275 6699

Yes thanks I conatcted them earlier they have provided some CM details, nursery details etc, need to ring the CMs tomorrow and see if they can do what I require. Reallllly wanted the eldest to go to nursery but it's looking very unlikely.

Good Luck with nursing- I go back later this year with the Sept 09 lot at Hallam as been on mat. leave. (Will still be a 1st yr!)... am just hoping I can go back!

T x

Sorry for butting into your thread but I have a question! :hihi:

Sooo....the 15 free hours - if your child is attending a state nursery does this take up the 15 free hours or does the state nursery place not count and then you get an additional 15 hours free care? :help:

Hiya

Not 100% sure but I think the 15 hours is for whatever nursery they go into, state or private or a mixture :-) x

I work as a nurse and so I do shifts (7-3) (1.30-9.30), weekends and nights and don't have any family in Sheffield. Looking for flexible childcare for my baby who is now 4 months, I'll be going back to work in a few months. I've looked at the nursery at the NGH as it's the only one I can find which opens at 6.30 in the morning but they're really expensive (907 pounds a month for full-time care!!!!) and not so flexible (ie I'd have to do the same shifts and they're not open weekends).

Also, I'd need someone or somewhere who accepted tax credits.

Any ideas???? :help:

I would search around for a childminder. My MIL has a 10 year old daughter and she is also a nurse. She was lucky enough to find a child minder who takes children from 6.30am and is very flexible. Unfortunately this isn't in Sheffield but you might find someone similar if you ring a few around your area.

Good luck.

I've often thought that if i went into childminding i would cover unsociable hours, as i used to work shifts too and it's really hard for people to get cover for shift work, especially if you're a single parent as i was- i had no partner to pick them up at tea time when childminders usually finish. Consequently i went onto nights when the kids were little, and did that for about 11 years

I am a staff nurse, earning less money than I did fifteen years ago as a childminder but anyway - I have no family and my baby's father left just before she was born, I got in a real pickle, didn't want to leave the baby full stop which didn't hep. I spent ages searching for a nursery in Sheffield, I have to say I hated them all - more than likely because I am an older mum (thought they were a little too manic). In the end we settled for a childminder - she is flexible, but all the same I went to my manager and requested 8-4, or 9-5, I didn't know but apparently the NHS has to be seen to do everything they can to accommodate child friendly working conditions. I have to be up for work at 6am to get to work for 9am, I don't really like then idea of dragging the we one out of bed either, so my present working hours are much better for us both. I miss the quieter weekend shifts, and the unsocial pay but have been back at work for three weeks and its much better than I had hoped for.

There are pros and cons to both options, my advice would be to see as many people as you can, I used to work unsocial hours when I childminder, and my baby's childminder was happy to work Good Friday, so I am sure you will find someone. Have you thought about a nanny? I think it can work out cheaper than people think.

Good Luck x

Contact Sheffield Information Link, Sheffield's Family Information Service, they hold lists of childminders and if you need help finding one that could help with your unsociable hours needs. Their number is 0114 275 6699.

The nursery or childminder doesn't take the child care tax credit, that gets paid to you. Your child carer just fills in their details and provides a registration number (as far as I can remember!).

Unfortunately nurseries can't be that flexible to work around shifts because they need to fill places on a regular basis in order to pay staff. I'd look at a combination of care and as already mentioned, approach your employer for hours that suit you better :)

There are a number of childminders who will work unsociable hours, I know of at least 1 in the S14 area but do follow up the flexible working hours option. It is a legal obligation for employers to look at it and do anything they can, within the normal remit of the job, to help.

Hiya, I work for the emergency services and work days afters then nights til 7am. I have a husband who also works shifts and before I returned to work I was worried about which type of childcare I was going to use. Someone recommended a Childminder to me so I contacted her and she was happy to work around some of my shifts. She is in the S20 area of Sheffield. My child lives going to hers when I'm at work so I don't feel as guilty being a working mother.

I also submitted a flexible working plan to my employers which they accepted, so I deviate some afters and night shifts to day shifts if I can't get childcare cover or my husband is working.

Which area do you live in?

Hiya, I work for the emergency services and work days afters then nights til 7am. I have a husband who also works shifts and before I returned to work I was worried about which type of childcare I was going to use. Someone recommended a Childminder to me so I contacted her and she was happy to work around some of my shifts. She is in the S20 area of Sheffield. My child lives going to hers when I'm at work so I don't feel as guilty being a working mother.

I also submitted a flexible working plan to my employers which they accepted, so I deviate some afters and night shifts to day shifts if I can't get childcare cover or my husband is working.

Which area do you live in?

I'm in S6 so that's a bit far. I need to talk to my employer first I think and see what options they are willing to give me - I don't want to take too many liberties tho - it is afterall shift work for a reason and if everyone had problems like this the place would end up shutting down. AHhhh, it's stressful!

There are a number of childminders who will work unsociable hours, I know of at least 1 in the S14 area but do follow up the flexible working hours option. It is a legal obligation for employers to look at it and do anything they can, within the normal remint of the job, to help.

Hi Zebra!

Hope that was me you were thinking of!

I do offer a flexible service, some days I end up working 8am till 10pm to accomodate different parents. However I am in the S14 area, which you may feel is too far from you, feel free to pm me if your stuck for someone for your little one.

Joy

I've looked here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Childcare/DG_181206 and not found the answers :(

I've got exterior painting needs doing, and the best option looks like getting a babysitter and doing it myself

I've got somebody who's willing to do it who has a childcare qualification, but what do I need to know other than telling her what hours I need her for and handing the cash over (assuming this wouldn't qualify for any childcare benefit)

(other childcare options aren't viable whilst I'm breastfeeding btw)

As far as I know, if someone looks after your child in your own home then there's very little you need to do. Obviously if they're doing it on a self-employed basis they'll have to ensure they notify the tax office etc.

As you're still going to be around and it's someone you know then you just get on with it - which is why you won't find much on-line.

Contact Sheffield Information Link (Sheffield's Family Information Service), telephone 0114 275 6699. They can provide you with information about different sorts of childcare and also has lists of registered childcare that can be specific to the area you live.

Doh! Why didn't I think of AskSID? :rolleyes:

Hiya :wave:

Let me know what you find out. xxx

How do,

Our first is nearly 10 weeks old and although the missus is not due to return to work till June 2011 we have started to think about child care. No idea when stuff like this needs sorting???

Anyways, out situation will be that every week one of us will have a few days off, the missus is planning on booking 2 out of 3 days a week off and I work shifts so get some days off so we will not require child car every day of the working week and the days we do require child care may change (probably will change) each week.

Anyone else been in this situation??? What is the best thing to do, will nurserys work with this arrangement or are we better with a child minder?

When is it best to get something sorted, no idea of timescales, people getting booked up etc etc....

some people will use a childminder which is fine , there are also nannies out there who are registered for credits . I have been a nanny for many years and seen the benifits of child care in your own home situation. Its great as if your child wants to sleep when you have to work they can , if they are ill the nanny can take over from you. They have their own toys , own cot or bed to sleep in everything is familiar. They can also go to groups which you go to , a childminder may go to play groups but they may not the ones you go to. security in knowing your child has one to one care. I actually only work 1 afternoon as a nanny now per week but personally I loved seeing all the boys grow up and was an extended part of the family.

hmmmm, I completely unaware of the cost of any of these options aswell..

Tricky one this. Definetely be more difficult finding childcare if you do different shifts each week, all providers would find it easier if you have set days, but saying that they will often work around you. Cost of childcare you'd be looking at on average between £3.00 and £4.00 per hour. If you are wanting a nursery place they tend to have waiting lists so you could put your little ones name down now. With childminders and nannies you would need to look nearer the time so they would be clearer on their availability (I'm a childminder and know that anything can happen within a few weeks let alone months). I'd advise perhaps March next year. Good luck :)

nannies are paid slightly more ! In my present job I am paid well above the average for sheffield at £16 per hour and my previous job of 17 years I was paid £10 an hour.

some nannies knowin advance their posts are ending as children start school etc.

You could also try ringing round a few nurseries to ask if they would accommodate your different working patterns. Unfortunately I don't think many nurseries would be able to accommodate this but I know that my friend was in a similar situation where both hers and her husbands working shifts changed on a weekly basis and she managed to find a nursery (I think at Chancet Wood) that allowed her to alter her childs nursery days to fit into their working pattern.

Good luck

nannies are paid slightly more ! In my present job I am paid well above the average for sheffield at £16 per hour and my previous job of 17 years I was paid £10 an hour.

some nannies knowin advance their posts are ending as children start school etc.

You wouldn't get that for just one child would you? If so I'm in the wrong job!:hihi: The rate i quoted was for each child, I can care for three under fives as any one time and upto 5 under 8's.

You wouldn't get that for just one child would you? If so I'm in the wrong job!:hihi: The rate i quoted was for each child, I can care for three under fives as any one time and upto 5 under 8's.

when I started this last job there were 2 children and now only one at home and so yes I do get that for one child. In my previous post for 4 i got £400 take home pay for 4 days per week that was 8 years ago!
I also get paid £150 for 2 nights over night stays when both parents are on call.

I would appreciate any thoughts on choosing between a nursery and childminder for my one year old. I am going to work three days a week and so need to decide which is the better option for me. im located in s11 so would also be grateful for any suggestions for good nursery's in the area.....thanks!:confused:

Depends on your daily hours and how flexible you need your childcare to be. Nurseries tend to be more expensive but good social experiences for your little one. If you have a noise sensitive child like mine then getting them to have their regular nap in nursery can be difficult. I opted for a childminder with my first son as I liked the idea of more one-to-one attention, it was more affordable and she was more flexible if my hours altered each week. I liked that my childminder had one or two other of various ages so gave my son company and good socialisation, she also took him to toddler groups so he made new friends.
Think you need to make a list of whats important to you and your child in terms of daily care and then weigh up the options.

Depends on your daily hours and how flexible you need your childcare to be. Nurseries tend to be more expensive but good social experiences for your little one. If you have a noise sensitive child like mine then getting them to have their regular nap in nursery can be difficult. I opted for a childminder with my first son as I liked the idea of more one-to-one attention, it was more affordable and she was more flexible if my hours altered each week. I liked that my childminder had one or two other of various ages so gave my son company and good socialisation, she also took him to toddler groups so he made new friends.
Think you need to make a list of whats important to you and your child in terms of daily care and then weigh up the options.

I'd second everything Claire said. Visit some settings and go with what feels right for you and your child. Good luck.:)

Personally a childminder was better for my son. He started at a nursery and they basically said it wasn't the right the place for him because he got so upset (plus other things I wasn't happy about). He was a lot better with a childminder. I liked the home setting and the fact it was a consistent carer. I also live in S11 and there are loads around here who meet in the park and at playgroups etc. Collegiate Montessori is popular and the Montessori which are both near psalter lane.

We opted for a nursery. I always prefered this option as my LO is a very lively, active little one who, I think, gets more out of a nursery than she would a child minder. She is very sociable and has lots of other children her age around her. She absolutely loves it there and is always desperate to get in the door.

However, we also found a really lovely one we fell in love with and that helped sway our decision. If we felt the same about a childminder we met then we would've put her there.

My advice would be visit nurseries, meet child minders and then make a decision on who you would like to look after your child. You may really love a nursery and decide on that, or you may really like one of the childminders and be completely comfortable with that option. You won't really know until you start meeting the people you will be trusting with your child.

thanks so much for your thoughts everyone. I have only visited two nurseries so far and nearly came away crying at one! it felt like something out of Annie! I think i was worrying cos others from work who have children have just said 'you will know when you see the right one' which i obviously havent done at the moment..i guess its normal to feel apprehensive.....

I couldn't find a solution that felt right when I was supposed to go back to work. As I had worked as a nanny in the past, I decided to train as a childminder so I didn't have to leave my daughter with anybody else. It's a tricky age because most childminders are only allowed one baby under 12 months and so the spaces available are limited. In our case, there was only one available space in the area. The lady was lovely but I just couldn't do it in the end. Personally, I didn't want my daughter do go to a nursery that young but it's different for every child so I agree with the other comments - you just gotta to what feels right for you!
I think I've seen your profile on the childcare website - i sent you a message on there but you never replied... Think I am too far away from you anyway and there is loads of CMs in your area.
Good Luck with everything!

ps: obviously your dd is a bit older so might enjoy the busy nursery setting more...

I think I've seen your profile on the childcare website - i sent you a message on there but you never replied... Think I am too far away from you anyway and there is loads of CMs in your area.
Good Luck with everything!

ps: obviously your dd is a bit older so might enjoy the busy nursery setting more...

thanks for your comments, im not on a childcare website....and im not even sure what one is and whether i should be on it to help me further!!

im also new on here so not sure if you can email me your details......

thanks

Hi there's childcare.co.uk which parents and childcarers can advertise on. Also Netmums which has a local childcare board.

Hi,

sorry, there is someone on childcare.co.uk with very similar details, I thought it must have been you. Should never assume... :D

Yeah, I agree, netmums is also helpful and Sheffield Information Link.

I'll try to pm you ;)

many thanks for all your advice, have now joined the other site, and looking over it. and WoodseatsCM thanks for the PM i will bear it in mind if i cannot find anything suitable near me, many thanks

might be a bit late on this, but have you looked at Grapevine nursery on London Road, it was recommend to me (on here) 3 years ago and GD is still there and loves it

I was the same as you, working three days a week from when J 11 months old. I'm lucky and have two sets of excited g-parents who have him 1 day a week each (their choice, not mine!!)and local (brilliant) childminder the third. I hated leaving him, but with two half day sessions a week to settle him in J was a lot happier with childminder after a month and soon ready for one full day a month. I personally didn't feel right at all about nursery at such a young age and wanted him to have a smaller adult/child ratio whilst still being around one or two other children. Nursery seemed too full on too soon for me. But it's a personal preference. I have freinds who are delighted with Beech Hill at the Hallamshire Hosp.
Leaving them with anyone, is just horrible and very hard for a long time. I think nursery will be on the cards for us when J is a bit older.
Good luck.

Hi,

I am currently having trouble finding someone that can help to look after my 6yr old son. We live in Deepcar and both my partner and I work. We need someone that could possibly take my son to school and pick him up for a few hours after.

Any help is extremely greatful!!

Thanks.. xx

Have you tried Sheffield Information Link? You could also post on the childcare board of Netmums and look on Childcare.co.uk. Good luck.

I have and nothing :(

Sounds like you've been looking at Childminders - but what about an AfterSchool Club. There's one at the Village Hall in Deepcar - its a PreSchool during the school day, but they do before and after school care too. They're open until 6pm, and it costs £3 / hour- and they collect from Royd and St Johns Juniors. Might be worth a look.

Oooohh where can I find details of this Hun??

Thank you...

cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc cccccccccccccccccccccc

I'm a student nurse and about to start my placement - problem? I can't find childcare. As it's 24hr shifts in the hosp childminders are wanting to charge me for a full 40hr, 7-6 week which tallys up to £350 p/w when added together with before and after school care fo my eldest. I'm considering putting my daughter into nursey instead but i can't see how it will work as then i will have to be in two places at once to pick up and drop off!

Basically, i am wanting to know hows others on shifts (Nurses or not!) do it? Is there a cheaper, simpler alternative?

Thanks :)

I was going to go to Uni to study Adult Nursing but decided against it for this very reason. A friend of mine dropped out a couple of years ago as she found it hard juggling her children round her course. I think the answer is family and friends if you have those you can rely on

I am a childminder and have cared for nurses children but none had to do 24hr shifts,you didnt say but if you are a lone parent surely they will have to take this into consideration.

I am a student nurse just finished my 1st year, I have 3 children and it's not easy. You only have to do a limited number of night shifts throughout you whole training and I haven't done any yet (although I have worked for the NHS and done night shifts for a few years now). My placements have been very accomodating when it comes to the off duty. When night shifts come I will be using 3 sources of childcare: my mum (I give them dinner at home, take them to hers where they get ready for bed and go to bed shortly after I leave, then pick them up on my way home from work in the morning and drop them at school), my friend will have them on the odd occasion with the same arrangement as my mum or finally paying for a babysitter. I already have a babysitter that I use if I'm going out and if I'm going to be home very late then she stays the night on the sofa anyway. I pay her £15 to babysit and an extra £5 to stay over. This is obviously much, much cheaper than any formal childcare and at the end of the day the kids are asleep anyway. Just piece of mind knowing that someone is there for them in an emergency, I'm there for dinner and home in time for breakfast.
Hope that might help.

Emma xx

I know how your friend must have felt! I'm tempted to dop out also but i've worked too hard to get here to leave now. Uni don't help in the slightest with childcare issues, being married makes things easier ie. nightshifts but my husband works 40 hours per week.

I think i need a big sit down with eveyone to try and sort things out. The babysitter idea is good, i've just found one i think and we're meeting up so i will bear that in mind.

Thanks everyone for your comments. :)

Have you discussed your issues with the childcare services manager? She is there to help you work out a childcare plan for your children to enable you to work or train. Call the NGH switch board on 2434343 and ask to be put through to CHRIS WALLIS at SUNSHINE DAY NURSERY she was fantastic when I was doing my training and struggling to negotiate child care. Hope that helps

Have you discussed your issues with the childcare services manager? She is there to help you work out a childcare plan for your children to enable you to work or train. Call the NGH switch board on 2434343 and ask to be put through to CHRIS WALLIS at SUNSHINE DAY NURSERY she was fantastic when I was doing my training and struggling to negotiate child care. Hope that helps

This would be great but i'm doing children's nursing so i'm not based at the NGH. Something to look into at the SCH though, i'm not sure if they even have a nursery.

Thanks for all your replies :)

you could ask your favorite sister to help out too :)
XX

i could but she just so happens to live at the other side of sheffield :)

contact me hunxxx

Hi there

I am wondering if anyone can offer a solution to my childcare problem.

Currently my youngest who is 2 in March is in private nursery at Woodseats and the hours are from 2pm-5.30pm every weekday. The way they work out bills is to average the costs over the whole year so that the bill amount is the same every month. They expect payment in advance- bills produced on the 1st and expected by the 10th latest for that month.

At present I get help from my bursary scheme from uni towards childcare costs, this comes also with the help I get towards my eldest childs childcare needs but those costs fluctuate every month on a pay-as-you-go basis (it's before/after school club and holiday club as she is at school). I do pay my part towards these costs also.

Nursery expects me to pay, as I am sure they all do, even when she is not there, as obviously she is taking a place up and although I know they have plenty spare I guess it's run this way as a business. It does get frustrating though during times when my daughter is not there for example for most of the past 3 or so weeks, and because I was struggling with money in the run up to Xmas I paid a big chunk out of last months bill then as she has not been there and I have only paid the £60ish remainder, and some off this months bill, today. However, my bill is £15 more than expected and I can only put this down to it being a late payment charge although this is not detailed on the bill. I have enquired about this and am awaiting a response but I suppose it's fair do's if so but I have only not paid it as she hasn't been there so I couldn't send the money (someone else takes her to nursery most of the time and picks her up and obviously I wasn't going to send that person all the way to nursery to pay money).

Anyway, sorry- I'm rambling!

Just wondered if there would be a cheaper way to sort this, are there any nurseries in the S8 area or Coal Aston/Dronfield on the bus route from Batemoor, any that maybe pay a month behind rather than in advance, or any that are pay as you go?

Or do you think there's a cheaper way- presumably childminders would be more expensive? It's difficult as my mum does not drive so needs to be able to take her for around 2pm latest by foot or public transport then go to work herself.

Hope this makes sense!

Thanks

Why not try ringing a couple of local childminders and asking about their fees? It might suit you better and you maybe able to incorporate your elder child into the arrangement too. Childcare is such an expense and a worry isn't it. Good luck

I might do, tis just so bloody expensive!! Thanks :)

childminders start from around £2.50 an hour xxxxx

This would be great but i'm doing children's nursing so i'm not based at the NGH. Something to look into at the SCH though, i'm not sure if they even have a nursery.

Thanks for all your replies :)

There are two branches of the nursery one at NGH and one at RHH (behind Jessop wing) the child care services manager can help with both sites it's just she's based at NGH

I am a childminder in Woodseats and I charge £3.80 per hour which is the average for this area. It includes all drinks and snacks, cooked lunch and outings to play groups etc.

Like most childminders I know, I ask for payment in advance much like nurseries do. This is to protect myself as I struggle to pay my bills if payment is made late. I don't know how your nursery charges but I charge hourly rather than for a 'session' like some nurseries do. So for your little one it would be £66.50 per week.

Hi there WoodseatsCM, have PMed you I think, would be very interested if you have vacancies to come and visit- also my mum works near the school so could even drop her with you when you do the school pickup?

Tried to find a contact number for you but can't so hope you get this soon :)

My partner is a childminder off Abbey Lane, let me have your number and I will get her to call you. She will help where she can..

Im hoping to be accepted onto a childrens nursing degree in september, however i thought id find out about childcare options now.

in september my children will be 1 yr, 4 yrs, 6 yrs, and 8 yrs.

So 3 of them will be in school and then theres my 1 year old.

However my husband works for royal mail and leaves for work at 4:30am so if im on a night shift then i wont be here for the kids, any ideas what sort of childcare would be relevant to help me???

You would probably be best with either a part time nanny or a childminder that provides overnight care.

not sure if you know, but would that be expensive?

Well I don't provide over night care but you would have to pay for the whole night with most childminders that are registered for overnight care(on average about £3-£5 per hour) but you would be entitled to tax credits to help you out with the costs with a registered childminder. A nanny is usually cheaper as they do not need to be registered with Ofsted and you can't usually get tax credit help with a unregistered nanny. If you set up a profile on Childcare.co.uk you can put what you need and see if anyone is willing to provide care for you that works around your needs. You could also contact the Sheffield information link 0114 275 6699 and they can tell you who provides over night care near you, I hope this helps and good luck with the nursing degree. :)

thats brilliant thank you so much, It is finding someone to work around me as obviously i wont be doing nights all the time, may not get any in first year but thought id better look into it just incase, because guaranteed if i didnt my first one would be nights

You'll need to check if you are entitled to help with childcare through tax credits first, not everyone is eligible it depends on income.

Hi,

I rarely post on here but check out of you're entitled to childcare support from uni, I'm not 100% of eligibility but its worth looking into as they pay up to 85% of your costs all year (not just academic year)

and someone else had a thread relating to this a few weeks ago - they may have some ideas now ; perhaps worth using search to see if anything comes up?

You need to contact Sheffield Information Link on Leopold Street 0114 2756699. They can give you in depth advice and assistance in finding the right type of childcare for you. Their service is free and friendly. I've used them for 23 years now for my wide age ranging brood of 4. They also update all the childcare vacancies so can save you a lot of time ringing around.

If you are unsure of the different sorts of childcare and how they could be of use to you contact sheffield information link. they produce lots of factsheets and the staff who answer the telephone are really great and give lots of useful advice. tel 0114 275 6699

Nursery will cost you between £40 and £50 per day depending on what hours (or how many) you need

Nursery will cost you between £40 and £50 per day depending on what hours (or how many) you need

Mine's not that expensive, i pay £30 a day and most of the nurseries where i live are between £30 and £35 a day.

Hi, does anyone know of an offsted registered childminder or babysitter in the S8 are or near enough? Im desperatly trying to get back into work and have been offered a job that will include the odd late evening a week - about an hour or two after the local after school club would kick out.. so i'd need someone to collect my lil' 'un and take her for 2 hours maybe once or twice a week..

Any suggestions?

We are moving to Ringinglow next week and it looks like all the nurseries are currently full. I am hoping to return to work at the beginning of April and need to sort out childcare. Can anyone recommend a nanny (or childminder who could come to the house)? Being new to the area I just don't know where to begin and have always relied on personal recommendations in the past. I have a 2 year old a nine month old and am currently loosing sleep....

Thanks
R

i think you might struggle to get someone to nanny/childmind in your house. do you have a particular reason it cannot be in their house?

:)

max

Is there an upper age limit that child minders care for? Where do you draw the line?

I'm not sure, I know a childminder who picks up from a local primary school and then meets a few from the secondary school around the corner (older siblings) oldest probably 13 or so.

depends on the individual childminder!!

Oldest I have is 13, she comes has her tea and does her homework

Hi Max,

Just easier, don't need to organise drop off/pick up with my commute into Manchester. Also think that it will give kids time to get used to the new house. Do you think it will be difficult to get someone? We are about a 3 minute drive outside Fullwood-
xx

it was just a thought really, and i was thinking also of the expense. i just think you would find it easier to get a flexible childminder (in her own home) than a nanny/childminder in you own home.

i totally understand why you want to do it the way you do though :)

hope you get sorted,

max

mater,

i have sent you a private message, you may not be able to open it 'til you have made 5 posts though :)

Hi,

No you would not struggle at all to find a Nanny in Sheffield there are loads of us!!!
What kind of hours are you looking for?
You may want to put an advert on Netmums or contact some of the nanny agencies.
If you would like to PM your requirements I can ask around!
Sarah

There is a Nanny/Au Pair agency listing @ Sheffield Reviews called JOLAINE AGENCY. You can see their listing and contact them here: sheffieldreviews.co.uk/component/content/article/86-nannyau-pair/97-jolaine-agency

Thanks for all the advice! I can't send PMs yet because I am still a new user but am looking for two days a week (Tues or Wed and Thursday) - if you know anyone out there who is Italian then that would be even more amazing (kids half Italian)
Rachel

Hi Rachel,

I have a couple of nanny friends who that may suit really well.
Are they full days? Have you had a nanny before?

Nannyjob is a good website for researching contracts, advice on holidays, tax and insurance and all that!

Sarah

Thanks Sarah-I haven't had a nanny before so willl give that website a look. All of the days are full days. If you send me a PM with your e-mail address I will then be able to send me my contact details (still can't send PMs)
Thanks Rachel

Hi Mater,

have you contacted Sheffield Information Link? We're the Family Information Service for Sheffield and hold details of all the registered childcare in the city. We can provide details of childminders and nannies in your area, as well as other activities which may be of interest if you're new to the area, like leisure activities and parent and toddler groups. Give us a call on 0114 275 6699 or email info@sheffinfolink.org.uk. It's a totally free service and a very friendly staff team!

Thanks folks :thumbsup:

Which area do you live in? Have a look at childminders in the area they can be quite flexible with hours and days if they have space and charge £3.75-£4.00 per hour. Some parents like there child to be in a homely environment and do things you would do with them others like nursery's were the children are in one place all day.

Hi all

Do any of you do a course/job that means you work different hours every week/different days from week to week etc?

If so, and you use childcare, how do you do it? Do you pay for a full time place 8-4, 9-5 etc Mon-Fri and just take your child when needed (which would cost a lot), or do you have a flexible agreement with a CC provider/childminder that you do a minimum of so many hours, and tell them in advance which hours?

I do a FT uni course and the days and times vary each week, then on placements it's full time. Could be from 7am too, which is a pain. ATM my family help out and I have 2 PT Childminders which is great, but to free my mum up more I was thinking of putting her in T childcare but cant afford a T nursery place especially when I wouldnt really need it full time. But onviously CM's have to make a living and cant go saving places and swapping times in case someone else could take the place up properly full time....

Dilemma!! Ideas welcome. x

The new nursery at jordanthorpe does the kind of thing your looking for from what i understand i think from how the manager explained it you have to pay weekly in advance for what hours you book. could have misunderstood but im sure thats what she was saying

I am a full time student nurse, my timetable of uni and placements sounds almost identical to yours and yes, my childminder is very flexible. I pay for a minimum amount of hours and let her know what I need each week, on a week to week basis.
It works really well and I think a lot of childminders offer the same service. I'm if S6, if you are local I cam pm you her details.

Emma x

Hi both, thanks for replies- I live right near the new nursery, but since it was part of the smae group of nurseries as the one dshe left I didnt look into it as they did let you choose which hours but it was set, and i think they wanted so many weeks notice to change of hours.

i live in s8 but will ask my current Cm if they do flexi care, thanks x

New Elmore Kindergarten nursery on Birley moor rd,Frecheville

They do flexible hours

tel 0114 2544889

Yes they told me they had a sister company to this one but this nursery offers a different childcare package, not set sessions apparantly and packed lunches if you want, which suits me a my dd is so fussy.

How old is your child and what hours would you need if you pm me i can let you have details as i have spaces i live in the s8 area

Oh right, never realised that, will look into it, thankyou xxxx

just visited today what a lovely nursery, the manager seemed really nice and its a lot bigger than I imagined,anyway ive booked my son in cant believe how flexible they are. more than happy with packed lunches was suprised they told me that they prefer no pop,crisps or chocolate but thinking about it i suppose its alot healthier to have fruit.
Anyway see how it goes:|

Hi hadenuf iv just booked my dd in great inside isnt it. My mum remembers it as a pub and says she doesnt remember it being that big she was suprised. Anyway hope to meet you along with other mums they said that the take up for upto 3s had been really good.

:( My daughter is very upset today as she took her little boy (my grandson) aged 4 months to visit a nursery that she has chosen for him to go to once she is back at work. She is in bits at the moment as she said there were little babies in cots crying and not enough staff to pick them up. She now feels that she cannot leave him there. Also, they said they couldnt follow his normal feeding routine although initially they said they could. I mean these places arent cheap,about £45 a day she is expecting to pay. I just wondered if all day centres are like this or would she be better with a child minder. This centre is in the centre of Sheffield but I don't know the name - just wondered if anyone had any advice on a different centre?

Unfortunately these places have a 3 babies to 1 member of staff ratio. I looked around many different places before going back to work, and none of the nurseries I visited gave me any confidence that they would look after my little one. I ended up using a childminder, who, I find excellent. Her home is beautiful and clean and my daughter really enjoys going there. (in fact she sometimes cries when I pick her up!) Ask your daughter to explore other avenues for child care. She will know when it feels right. ;o))

Which area is your daughter in?

What sort of feeding pattern does your grandson have? (I can't understand why they wont accomodate this)

The ratio is three children to one member of staff.

Not sure what the ratio is for a childminder? Can the above poster advise?

We chose nursery over a childminder as at least if an incident/accident occurs then there would be somebody else around.

With regards to children crying in cots demanding attention etc this does and will occur in any childcare setting.

Often children at that age only have crying as their form of communication and reasure your daughter that it may just be for attention the cries rather than that they are hurt/injured.

I walked into my daughters room a few months back and was really quite shocked that there were quite a few screaming babies and some staff were trying to console two at a time. I was ready to not send my daughter back, but after reflecting on it I realised it was just after lunch when it is nap time.

I have since picked her up at a few differant times and witnessed nothing like that.

I hope your daughter finds a solution, it is a very difficult decision :)

Info on childminding ratio's:

http://www.ncma.org.uk/childminders/become_a_childminder/childminding_ratios/ratios_in_england.aspx

My daughter is two in June and I wouldn't fancy leaving her with a childminder who had 1 under one and another 4 over one as my daughter can be a bit of a handfull lol

I've just gone through all of this and took a long time deciding on the right place for our one year old and found a brilliant nursery in S6 that we were all happy with and spent a lot of time having settling in sessions with him and took our time settling him in.

He loves it and is thriving there. What area are you in?

Hi All, thanks for you answers - I know there is no easy solution - we are all doing our bit and he will only be at the minder for 3 mornings a week hopefully. She has another 2 creches to try and has managed to get in touch with a child minder as well. I think the 3 - 1 ratio is about right, she was upset that as one baby started to cry it set all the others off and then my grandson as well! I know this is to be expected and that he will not get 1-1 care unless he is with us, I think it just shocked her a bit. The feeding thing is that she is mixing one powder strength with another which they say they need a health visitor letter to do! I have suggested she just make up the bottles herself and just take them in. I had a minder for my son and it worked out fine, I would like her to take that route but we will see. Thanks alot for all your advise. Oh she's looking in the S9 area.

A childminder can only have one child under 1 year and 2 others under 5 years maximum, unless they are of school age. (which is only before and after school)

The feeding thing is that she is mixing one powder strength with another which they say they need a health visitor letter to do!

not sure why she would do this but why not get some of these (http://www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10751&langId=-1&productId=36824&source=froogle&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Shopping%20Sites-_-CPC-_-Froogle)(easily hold about 7 scoops of powder) and send them with the bottles.... i'd be lost without mine!!


I had a minder for my son and it worked out fine, I would like her to take that route but we will see. Thanks alot for all your advise. Oh she's looking in the S9 area.

not all childminders take full quota. mine has DS on his own most days with a couple of older children before and after school. he loves it, doesnt want to come home. she treats him like one of the family (eager to see new baby, easter eggs, christmas pressies) also means she can get on with her 'life'.... takes him to the shops, garden centre but also park, playgroups, childrens activity places (all of which she pays for). he only goes one day a week but in the year he's been with her i've formed a close relationship (more then with a nursery) and wouldn't think twice of phoning her if i had an emergency and needed to leave the kids with someone.


NB: having worked in nursery's i was reluctant to leave DS in one.... I did as it was convienent but he was removed within a week as they didn't follow medication guidance left for them and 'guessed' the quantity.

what area do you live in? iam a childminder in S8 area and have space

This issue has been discussed before on the forum and can be sensitive as some people think childminders are better for young babies and others are happy with nursery. It is personal choice of course. And there are good and bad of each. Having viewed a few, I like your daughter, found the idea of a nursery/institution setting really upsetting for my baby and felt much happier with the cosy home feel of a (good) mature childminder. I find it horrid viewing nurseries and seeing children left to cry. In my opinion a crying baby needs attention, and the concept that they are 'crying for attention' is not any excuse to ignore them, and this should not happen in any setting unless there is an extreme crisis being dealt with. Children only seek attention because they need it for whatever reason.

I was really happy for my daugter her to go to nursery when she was older, but would not have considered one where children were left crying. It amazed me that staff did not even have the decency to look concerned when a visitor was watching them! We used Grapevine Nursery and were happy with it (when my daughter was nearly 3). A few of my friends use Kids Unlimited in Broomhall (NOT Millhouses) and find it excellent. This is the only nursery I have heard fantastic reviews about for young babies.

Good luck. It can be so hard finding the right childcare but gut instinct counts for a lot.

Edit: Totally agree with previous poster. My daughter had the same relationship with her childminder- like one of the family, presents at christmas etc :-) Only downside is that if your childminder is sick you have no childcare that day whereas at nursery there is always a place. But that was a price I was prepared to pay.

Both my children went to Grapevine Nursery and I couldn't be happier with it. The staff there are amazing!! We're moving too far away to travel to it and are having to take them out next week and we're now looking at the option of childminders. I'm gutted we can't stay at Grapevine! My oldest son really thrives there and I'm concerned that he may not be challenged mentally enough with a childminder with younger children. Anyone experienced this?

has she considered having a nanny? they take them to pleanty of groups to socialise them. childminders are ok, but they can get very full and cant always accomodate any changes... most nurseries (speaking from 8+ years experience working in them) unfortunately are not of a very high standard... you do get the odd ones that are very good. but a lot of these places dont have very good policies on baby rooms. when i was looking round i saw that loads of places just "dump" the children in pushchairs and force them into sleeping patterns and feeding patterns that are convenient for the staff, not the babies!! very annoying when you work so hard against these patterns in your professional life! since having my son i set up my own childcare business because i couldnt stand the thought of working in another nursery!!

id consider hiring a private nanny... they're not as expensive as you might think!!

Its about what suits individual parents the best, I would say though it is important to look around a few settings, nursery's and childminders to find which suits you best and which you feel most comfatble with.

i agree with alot of what has been said in other posts and as a parent and a nursery nurse have seen things from both sides. i was lucky enough to have family members looking after my child until he was 2 when he went to a private nursery. it took him a while to settle and would just sit and cry in the corner, unfortunately for the staff he would not let them near him but came round on his own. now he absolutely loves it and has developed in all areas so much.
unfortunately when visiting nurseries or childminders you only get to see a short part of the day and nobody can know how individual children will be on that day.
leaving your child is a big thing and needs a lot of thinking about and i hope your daughter finds something that suits her and her child