Absolutely No Childcare... What do I do??

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Have a child in reception and a 2yo. We've been really lucky to have family help with childcare and have just about muddled through (we work awkward NHS shifts) but now for various reasons our parents can no longer help at all.

I've tried every childminder I can get in touch with, they're all full or are about to have their break for Xmas.

Every nursery I've tried have no spaces.

I'm currently doing a development role alongside my usual role in work in the hope of getting a promotion.

I feel like the only option is for one of us to take unpaid time off until a nursery place opens up. I can see my chances of promotion sailing out the window.

It's so awkward with it being Xmas as eldest will be off school and there's also no wiggle room for us to swap any shifts, could at least have muddled through another few weeks.

Shifts are scheduled up til Feb and we're so short staffed that swaps are really difficult at the best of times. I thought about asking for set shifts but that won't take effect until the next schedule so it doesn't help me from Monday.

Is there anything else we can try?? I'm so stressed.

It’s more expensive but can you look at an agency nanny arrangement for a while? Someone to come in to your home and care for the children? Not necessarily live in. I know some people who do this and find it flexible and useful, especially around shift work etc.

As the above and get the older one into holiday club quickly. Most nurseries around here have at least a 6 months waiting list so you might need an interim solution for awhile. Any chance family could help out a little while longer whilst you get an alternative sorted?

Look on childcare.co.uk for nannies amd babysitting. Koru kids is another one lots of youbg people and students

Ask on local f book for experienced babysitter who might do a bit extra

What sort of time periods do you need to cover? Whole 12 hour shifts or a few hours in the evening?

In future could you arrange to do opposite shifts so there's always one of you home? That's the norm for couples at my work (though it's not NHS).

The Bubble app can be good. Ask on local Facebook groups to see if anyone has an au pair or nanny looking for extra hours, or who would be interested in a nanny share?

Are they 2.5 yet? If so look into preschools attached to private schools that have wraparound care. They tend to have more spaces than nurseries.

I'd look into a nanny or babysitter or au pair, basically someone you can employ to come to your house for the hours you need. Which one you go for will depend on your budget, area and how much sole care they would be doing for your DC.

Childcare.co.uk is your answer. Pay the 20 something quid for premium so you can message some local babysitters directly. You might also find a childminder on there.

Have you tried asking on all your local town Facebook pages, your area and the neighbourhoods or villages around it? Even if you have to travel a couple of miles? Basically just say you’re desperate for childcare, someone will know someone or will know wraparound care you might not have known existed, or someone who’s just qualified in early years wanting work or something !

Agree with the suggestion about private schools. We have a nursery place shortage in our town and a woman I know moved here mid year last year, she got a place straight away in the big 0-18 years private school (nursery from 6 months up to sixth form) it is £15 a day more than other day nurseries round here but they nearly always have spaces apparently because of this, they also offer really good food and longer days due to them being connected to the school.

I'd try and find a uni student who is finishing for the holidays and looking to make extra money. Nextdoor app or koru kids a good starting point.

I’d second the private school idea. My DD attended one from 1 until she was ready for reception and could attend from 8-6. It was also open in the holidays. It was amazing and my DD did really well there.

On site hospital nursery?

Local primary school with pre-school?

Your husband takes some parental leave ?

Can you afford a short-term nanny to cover the Christmas period until you can get something more permanent in place?

I feel like the only option is for one of us to take unpaid time off until a nursery place opens up. I can see my chances of promotion sailing out the window no look. If you are due a promotion soon then your DH has to be the one to take the hit.

I think if you tell your manager the options of you being off for a month or swapping some shifts then shift swapping will become possible....

Get a nanny and get an interest free money transfer credit card to fund it if need be.
Get your promotion and survive and get your kids onto nursery / childminder wait lists ASAP.

Uni student home for the Christmas holidays is a good option. My dad has just finished classes this week and is hope and looking for work. Ask around and see if any of your friends/mums at school/workmates knows any dependable uni students.
Or maybe a sahm would be willing to take this on to make some extra money for a few weeks/months
Just ask everyone you know locally if they have any ideas

Why is it automatically you who stays off work when you're about to be promoted? Obviously you're husband should if anyone.

Families use every excuse under the sun for the man not being able to stay home when it's just as inconvenient for the woman. I don't get it?

I am sure you will, but please make sure that if you are employing someone to work alone with your children, that they have full safeguarding checks.

Suggestions of the local uni student or friend of a friend may not be the safest option.

Thanks all - spent all morning contacting childminders on childcare.co.uk - most were full but I've found one that can at least do next week for me. No idea beyond that!

DH is new to his role and in somewhat of a probationary period. He's already taken all of his current entitlement of holiday days at short notice to cover childcare, which I'm unable to do.