Maybe consider Family Day care too it is organised through your council. Then they would be together. The carer would have a max of 4-5 kids each day. You have to find someone you are comfortable with of course as it is in their home but we have loved it. Our carer is great and the kids get taken to the playground or out into the community each time. They often meet up with other carers too so they get to interact with a range of children of ages and sexes. As they are with kids of different ages they learn from the older kids, as well as learn how to be gentle with the smaller kids. Also instead of having 10 kids all sitting in high chairs needing to be fed and changed at the same time, as they have a smaller group they can really tailor their attention to the needs of each child as they are all at different stages. For example ours is helping practice the homework we are getting from speech therapy. I get photos sent to my phone to show what they kids are up to. I have to provide my own nappies and lunch but that is fine as I know exactly what they are eating.

It has been great for DS as he has become a very social and confident little boy which doesn't come from me. I have seen him flourish there. He and DD go together and it has been an easy transition for DD as DS is there with her. All round positive experience for us.