I think the baby care swap is a great idea- I'm thinking I need to start doing this with some of the Mum's in my mother's group.

Re: occasional care- I have worked in a few and I am keen to send my son to them every so often. They are usually very laid back and the children can just play (which doesn't always happen in childcare!). I also like the mixed age groups- it ends up having a real 'family/community' feel.

Government centres generally attract the better staff as they offer better pay and work conditions and are the more highly sought after jobs in the industry.