Childcare, could this work?

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I work Monday to Friday, 9-5 (but flexible). Hybrid role so sometimes in the office, usually two days working from home & two or three out in the community / outreach.

DH is a shift worker doing a mix of days and nights. He knows his rota 6 weeks in advance.

We want to minimise paid childcare & both continue to work full time. Likely to only have one DC. I know the funded hours might come in for all ages from 2025 but irrespective of this we don’t like the idea of a baby or very young child being in nursery for very long days for lots of reasons really

My parents and MIL both live quite near to us. MIL is retired and has expressed wanting to help us out (there will be no other grand babies likely at all). DM works part time.

DM has suggested on my couple of WFH days a week, I could work from hers - ie be nearby and not actually have to leave them fully. This wouldn’t have to be every week as it usually averages out so that DH only actually works a couple of weekdays each week,

It would be potentially quite changeable and difficult for us to get into a routine where things are the same each week but we have enough helping hands and could make a plan for 2 months in advance.

Maybe this way we would only need one or two full days of paid childcare with a childminder, and the other three week days could be worked around each time? Did anyone else have a set up like this and did it work? Thanks :)

This sounds great. Obviously don’t say which but was it a chain nursery or an independent one? I suppose I won’t know until I ring around and ask

I think either set or flexible days at a childminder and then flexible help from grandparents as needed. I personally would not want to work from where my child was during the day. If grandparents are close, then just drop off and let them get on with it. You can focus on your work, and then when you're done, you can be fully present for your child. I don't think anyone benefits from you being half in and half out - it also means you never really get a break or to focus on work and your DM doesn't get quality time either without you hovering about. Take it from everyone who tried to work through lockdowns with young children at home, even with the other parent fully available on the other side of the door. It was not easy or enjoyable or quality time.

It was independent, we live in an area with lots of hospital workers so the nursery could make it work.