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Original poster

Childcare Options (Please help!)

36 replies

SalhaK · 07/08/2019 16:38

Hello, this is my first time posting and I would appreciate any and all advice.

I am an international postgrad student and will be studying at the University of Glasgow for the first time. I have 2 young children, a 5 yr old and a 2 yr old. My biggest concern and main cause for stress is finding some childcare that will suit both of them. I have no family support and my spouse will not be able to stay with me most of the time.

My class timetable is all over the place. Some days I have morning until afternoon classes. Other days I have afternoon to evening classes, and my timetable changes from week to week.

I can cope with studies and children as I have done it before, but I really need childcare advice for my situation. I honestly don't know what I can do in order to have someone take care of my children while I am in lectures/seminars.

Please help me.

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ChildminderMum · 07/08/2019 18:24

What's your budget? I would consider employing a nanny, and then you have some breathing space to sort out schooling for your eldest.

Original poster
SalhaK · 07/08/2019 17:41

I'm getting even more worried now lol.

I've checked the council website and looked into primary schools and nurseries. Unfortunately, I can't enroll either of my children into anything until I am actually living in Glasgow. I wish I could have done all this months ago, but needed to wait until all my paperwork was in order over here.

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Cheerfullygo4 · 07/08/2019 17:34

Depending on when your 5 year olds birthday is he will go into Primary 1. There is no reception in Scotland. I suspect that due to him having no formal schooling he will be placed in Primary 1. Look at GFIS website which gives childcare options for your locality based on postcode. Look on Glasgow City website to see where your catchment school is based on postcode. There are non denominational and Catholic options. Phone Education department to get the ball rolling in enrolling him. School starts in Glasgow on August 14th. Good luck.

Invisimamma · 07/08/2019 17:32

You need a school place for your 5 year old son and a childminder or private nursery for your 2 year old. You need to look into nurseries now as they can have very long waiting lists!

Original poster
SalhaK · 07/08/2019 17:27

Thanks for all the advice!

Yes, there are definitely some days that I will be needing after school care for my son as I will often have evening classes. It seems like hoping to find a childminder would be my best bet. I am limited in my search atm as I am still overseas and need to wait until the end of the month to enter the UK. Then I will have to scramble to find accommodations and a school for my son.

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PotteringAlong · 07/08/2019 17:12

If he’s 5.5 then he will go into year 1, not reception and will have missed the first year of school here.

Most nurseries run from 7.30 - 5.30; the university nursery might have more flexibility. It would be worth speaking to them.

You also need to look up local primary schools and think about if you need wrap around care (ie your son will be in school approx 9-3. Do you need childcare outside this window?)

LetsSplashMummy · 07/08/2019 17:12

School starts next week, he's too old to defer, you need to do that immediately. Once in a school, you ask on that school FB about what other people do. Probably childminder to collect from school and nursery is your best bet. Good luck.

Original poster
SalhaK · 07/08/2019 17:06

Thanks for the advice!

I will look into finding a childminder. I just hope I can find one with the specifications you mentioned.

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ChildminderMum · 07/08/2019 16:58

First find a school place for your 5 year old, then find a childminder who will drop off and collect at the school and has a space for your 2 year old too. Then you are just dropping them off at one place in the morning and collecting from one place in the evening.

Childminders will be the most flexible to provide evening care too.

I think you will need to pay for a full time place though eg 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.

Original poster
SalhaK · 07/08/2019 16:56

In my country, he would still be in kindergarten, but from what I've looked up, he would have to start primary in Glasgow this year because he's over 5.5 yrs old. I don't know/think they would let me defer him for the year that I will be studying there.

The university nursery accepts children up to the age of 5 as far as I can see.

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MissRabbitNeedsAHoliday · 07/08/2019 16:43

Is the 5 year old starting school this year?
What about the university nursery, I know it can be expensive but could you apply for a subsidy?