To wonder about childcare

[Shirehorsesworkhardest]

I have a long commute (45 minutes) and need to be in work before 8. This is a problem as nurseries don't seem to open until 730.

When I go back to work after maternity leave, is it better to look at nurseries local to me or local to work?

I prefer local to me. That way if you have time off, or you're I'll they can still go to nursery. It also avoids the longer journey and inevitable nap in the car on the way home, then the resulting later bed time

Do you have one mid way?

I had exactly the same problem... Ended up having to change my hours so I start slightly later, lucky that I have that option though.

*ill. Bloody phone

Unfortunately one mid way would be strategically almost impossible, I think!

It's very strange and I don't know why the nurseries only open so late when they must be used to accommodating working parents.

They open at 7:30 and that would make me very late for work.

You might be able to find a childminder who will do an early start, I used to start at 6:30 for one family

If you have an other half could they do the drop off?

I'm a childminder who starts at 7. I'd consider earlier if needed, but it would take some persuasion as I already work until 6

We went close to home, as it meant either me or DH could drop off /pick up. Although if i was traveling, DH was late for work, as nursery opened at his start time. Is there someone else who could drop off, who has a shorter commute or later start?
Also, you may find a childminders who is more flexible with start times.

Good Luck. It's a minefield.

Are you on your own?

I can't do drop off and pick up without working through lunch and shaving a bit off my day, so my husband and I do one end of the day each - he works shifts so it depends on him who does what on which day.

I also tweaked my hours a bit when I went back, so I either work 8.30-4.30pm so I can get home in time to pick up, or 9.30-5.30pm when I drop off. Could you start later?

I don't think 45 mins is a very long commute!

Look at CMs, see if you and DP/H can arrange hours so one goes in earlier and one later, check out nurseries close to workplaces where lots of people do shifts (eg hospitals, airport) as they often have more flexible hours.

One reason we hired a daily nanny (which was cheaper as 3 under 5s at that stage than 3 nursery places).

I'm on my own so will need to do pick ups and drop offs accordingly. I have looked into childminders but most don't seem to have much flexibility and a nanny is out of the question financially unfortunately. I also definitely can't start later (teaching.)

Long commute is always going to be relative bit

I chose a nursery close to my place of work for precisely this reason. Children being ill and needing collecting seems to happen far more often than mum being ill and still wanting to take DC to nursery. Plus many nurseries can get a bit funny if someone doesn't live/work within a 30-minute pick up time.

If you're on your own I would probably go for either a CM near home, or nursery near work. Otherwise you cont physically be able to do the pick ups and drop offs!

I know two teachers and a childminder collects and drops off at school. Would that work?

I suppose the only solutipn then is to find childcare near work.

Would you consider moving? I couldn't put up with so much time traveling.

I am a teacher and use a nursery nearer work than home for this reason. None round here open till 8! You are going to need to use a nursery near your place of work in this situation. Also to accept you will not arrive at school much before lessons start (I make use of nursery being open till 6 to prep for the next day before I leave). I do sometimes do the round trip to nursery in holidays and then do marking or planning in the local library.

You could always try asking colleagues what they do? There might not be someone in exactly your position, but you might get some good ideas at least.

Most colleagues will have partners to help and family.

I wouldn't want to move really :) so I think looking for nurseries near school is the answer!

Nursery or childminder near home, and an au pair to do pick up/drop off?

My baby hates car journeys so I would never have made a journey to nursery with her, but yours may be different.

Nanny share would be the best bet, easier said then done I know!

Live in au pair? They don't cost much and if you have a living room and bed room she could have the bed room and you and the child sleep in the living room. Could work.

I only have a one bed flat so an au pair isn't an option just at the moment!

My friend is teacher and has to use a nursery near her workplace for this reason.

Do you HAVE to be in for 8? Is that for setting up for the day? I'm just wondering if you could do some prep the afternoon before.

Unfortunately yes; meetings are every morning at 8.