Nursery: Pro's and Con's?

kirstle99

Hi all,

I have a 12 month old boy, and next January, when he's about 18 months old, I was thinking of putting him into nursery.
Problem is, i'm a bit torn. I know for definite I don't want him there full time, maybe 2-3 days per week absolute maximum. I have a flexible job so could arrange to work around what the nursery could offer.
We are very tight on money as we have a large amount of debt, and a low income, & i've been told the government can help with the costs of nurseries. But, are they certain types of nursey or any nursery?
I have no idea where to start with this at all & I would really appreciate some help. OH is very laid back about it & basically leaves it to me to sort out.

jackiegibbo

check your local council website and they will have info on all the local childcare providers. I dont think the govt help starts until they are 4 but i may be wrong im sure another op will be along soon to give advice.I was really torn when my daughter started as i only have the one(shes nearly 9 now) but she had a great time and she loved mixing with other children and yes my hubby left me to decide on it all:rolleyes:

Paparika

How about starting with mother and toddler groups first?

Js_Other_Half

If you get tax credits, then there may be some help with childcare costs - as long as you both work over 16 hours per week. If you don't, then look at childcare vouchers from your employers - we get them from both our employers.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/health/childcare-vouchers

As for the pros and cons of nursery, that really depends on your circumstances. My DS loves going (3 days per week), as he's busy all the time. He actually tries to convince me to take him on other days...lol.

galvanizersbaby

Hi Kirstle

As another op says you could be entitled to tax credits which is probably the government help you are referring to - the other early years entitlement (government will pay a certain amount of childcare for you regardless of financial circumstances I believe once your child turns 3)

Nurseries in general tend to be more expensive than childminders - a childminder may be a better option if you are tight for money?

In my opinion (only my opinion!) I think the pro's of nursery are:
Always open and available (unless your child is ill)
Safety in numbers aspect (though some people prefer their child to build a relationship with just one person, i.e. childminder) but I did not particularly desire this
Structured routine at nursery (again not everybody desires this but worked well for my kids)
In the case of my children they were both very confident and my son settled in to school easily and I have no doubt that my daughter will be the same when she starts school in September.

Check www.entitled to to see if you qualify to tax credits.

Good luck x

surreysaver

Paparika wrote: »

How about starting with mother and toddler groups first?

Parent and toddler, please!

surreysaver

You LO will love nursery. After a couple off weeks when he's settled down he will start making friends. The nursery will help with other things, like learning to talk and other stuff. You'll notice a change in him practically straight away. They'll wear him out as well so he spleeps better at night!

onlyroz

My boy has been in a nursery part time from 6 months and full time from 9 months. In general I think it's been a great experience for him. He gets to do far more activities than I can offer at home (and his current nursery has a pool, which is great) and he gets to mix with other children - a big plus because I don't know anybody else with a child.

It seems like some nurseries are better than others, so check out the ofsted report and make sure that you go for a visit. Some nurseries split the kids into age groups, whereas others like children of different ages to mix. Others offer meals, whereas some want you to take in a packed lunch. Also, some are open all year round, whereas others follow the school terms. And the hours of some are different - my son's current nursery offers either 8am - 6pm or 9am - 4pm, so you can choose the hours that suit you best.

As for funding - the main ones are child tax credits or childcare vouchers. There's plenty of info on both elsewhere on the web so I won't go into details. Also there's a subsidy after your child turns 3, and some nurseries offer discounts for a second child.

kirstle99

Hi everyone, thanks very much for all the great replies! My little one is quite cautious around other children, as he's our only child i'm thinking this must be why.
I was thinking of starting by taking him to a 'stay & play' session at my local surestart centre, its only £1 and its for 2 hours 1 morning per week. I was hoping this would help to introduce him to other children a little more.
Answering about the tax credits yes we do currently get tax credits & we both work more than 16 hours per week.
I'll check out entitled to and see wat's on there, thanks for that!
Basically the only reasons I wanted to think about nursery are so that 1) He can mix with other children & get used to them 2) He gets used to me not being there every second and 3) so I can work the days he is at nursery without worrying.

astonsmummy

A good nurserey can be great.
My son has been at his nursery for 18 months now, almost full time and he absolutely adores going there and adores his 'teachers' he's starting full time school in September and I think it's given him so much confidence and a good head start.
He was behind with his speach and since attending nursery has come on leaps and bounds.
I think you idea of easing your little one in is a good one if she is cautious, get a list of all the nurserys in the area, have a lok around and get a 'feel' for them.
Good luck x