Can you pay private foster care for emergency childcare?

[NoLogicInThis]

Hi looking for advice, I'm due a operation but as a single parent with literally no one to have my son whilst I'm in hospital I don't know what to do as I can't find childcare where it's overnight and accommodate my sons additional needs.

Can I phone a private foster agency and ask for temp foster care if I pay privately?
Or am I going to have to phone social services which I didn't really want to do but I can't see any other options

I'd imagine a voluntary or private fostering organisation wouldn't do this. They will have contracts with certain Local Authorities only. If your son has additional needs could you contact you local authority dept for children with disabilities? I know you son would probably not fall under them usually ( as then you would be in contact already) but they may be able to guide you towards a respite carer.....I really don't know. Other than that I guess try, as you mention, children services

Social work or a private care agency could probably help. Personally i'd probably start with social work dept and see what they come up with.

Alternatively, a nanny agency? Some specialise in additional needs children.

There may be a nanny agency that could supply someone for several days?

If you have the money, you need to call a nanny agency and ask for "proxy parenting".

If you don't have the money then social services will arrange Foster care.

I think you are going to need some social care help. Is it a one off op or part of ongoing health issues? You have no idea how long you'll be in / how long recovery takes and a private arrangement might not cover it and you cant take the risk with your kids. For example, most people who have gallbladder removed are out in 2-3 days and recover pretty well however on a rare occasion there is a complication which arises that means a 2-3 week stay and they would definitely be too sick to deal with the admin of arrangong extra childcare.
Dont be frightened by the horrible stories of 'childsnatching social care', they want to support you to look after your children and keep your children safe. My friend has been in and out of hospital for mental health issues and was terrified of contacting her HV but in the end her partner was really struggling to do all childcare, work to pay bills and pay extra bills for any childcare they needed. He got an emergency nursery place and funding for a few weeks until she was discharged.