We used a CM for 3 years and have not one regret! Even now after 7 months Ellis still asks to see them! Not once did we have to seek alternative care because they were ill and we always got at least a years notice if holidays. It was a couple with grown up children with 30 years experience and they had a range of children of different ages. They took Ellis swimming, regular toddler groups, to the zoo, soft play, trips to town - coffee shops and small shops, not proper weekly shopping but this was a great learning experience for him! We got regular EYFS updates, pictures, observations etc. He always came home with stuff he'd made or drawn.
Nurseries weren't for us, the ones here were expensive and alot of my friends complained that their LO's key workers kept changing or leaving and other complaints too like playing in the rain with no coats on, no flexiablilty with routine etc whereas Ellis was able to nap in his own time, same with eating. That said, there are good and bad with every option and you need to investigate thoroughly.