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Original poster

Need very occasional days..

33 replies

CharlesRyder · 24/12/2014 18:34

Until recently we have had comprehensive CM/ pre-school cover but DH and I have changed arrangements so we now mostly manage to do all our childcare between us. However, there are very occasional days we can't cover (maybe 8 days a year).

We have no family close enough to help out and I don't want to impose on friends this often or to our 'schedule'.

Is there any sort of childcare that would be this flexible? It would be full days so I guess a babysitter is out? The days will almost all be INSET days directly before terms start or just before the end of state school terms so holiday clubs are unlikely to be in action.

DS is 4 and in Reception.

Any ideas gratefully received!

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Original poster
CharlesRyder · 24/12/2014 19:49

Bertie we are both teachers so taking additional days in term time is not really on. Missing INSET days would also not be popular. DH and DS are Independent and I am in State so the problems tend to occur during periods where DS is off school, I am at work and DH is outside his term time but has meetings, INSET etc. He is the Deputy Head and leads these things so can't really sack them off!

I will enquire locally about CMs. We moved to a completely new part of the country in July so don't have an established hold on the 'grapevine'.

Thanks for the emergency nanny tip. It may come to that.

OP posts:
HSMMaCM · 24/12/2014 19:24

If he's in full time school then you could probably find a cm to do it. I take school children for adhoc days as standard.

FishWithABicycle · 24/12/2014 19:23

Many childminders don't work to their full legal capacity and would be able to take an additional child occasionally if you explain and give sufficient notice.

BertieBotts · 24/12/2014 19:20

No, right. Sorry. Stupid question, of course it is. Blush

BertieBotts · 24/12/2014 19:19

For 8 days a year could you not take holiday? Or is that including the days where holiday covers?

Wigeon · 24/12/2014 19:02

One of the childminders who looks after other children at my DD's school has been happy have DD2 (3 years) very occasionally. £4.50 an hour (south East). Have you asked around in the playground?

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/12/2014 18:56

You can use a temp /emergency nanny. Area depending you are looking at 8/13gross an hour and then pay the agency fees £25/30 a day on top - can be exspensive but means you have childcare if you need it

Littlef00t · 24/12/2014 18:41

You can pay through the nose for a nanny from an agency or emergency childcare.co.uk.

It will be a fortune so you might want to see if you could do some reciprocal childcare for friends but always a back up.