Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Massive childcare issues

38 replies

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 22:50

Our childminder has just told us that she will be closed one day a week starting from January. She cares for our two under 3 DC. Me and DH both work full time. What the fuck am I supposed to do?! No way will we be able to sort something before January!

OP posts:

Scrumptiousbears · 07/12/2016 22:52

Private nursery?

What reason has she given (just being nosy)

Alorsmum · 07/12/2016 22:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DirtyDancing · 07/12/2016 22:55

That is a nightmare. How are you meant to get a nursery place with less than a months notice? Round here it's at least a 1 year waiting list. You may have to use an emergency nanny or something one day a week but that's going to be so expensive

MsVestibule · 07/12/2016 22:55

Until you can find another childcare provider, can you and your DH take one day's annual leave a week during January?

Presumably you'll be looking for a childminder or nursery who will take them 5 days a week and remove them from this childminder altogether? Pretty bad (understatement) to give you so little notice. Has she said why?

Hellmouth · 07/12/2016 22:56

have you tried calling nurseries and childminders? Do you have the option to work from home, can you take holiday for that one day a week? Don't panic yet!

Original poster

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 22:58

Yes, it's a month's notice but as she's only told us today she's not actually given a full month, plus everywhere is closed for 2 weeks over xmas! She said her family life is suffering so she needs to do it, I totally understand that but more notice and maybe trying to help us find alternative arrangements would have been good. Unfortunately we can't take holiday as we are self employed.

OP posts:

DarkNanny · 07/12/2016 23:00

Not sure but there usd to be in place childminders who were back ups for accident and illness of a childminder I think all Childminders have to have a named one not perfect but worth pursuing perhaps

NoSquirrels · 07/12/2016 23:00

Tricky. Presume she has given a reason and it is a good one? Also presuming you like her and think she does a good job of care?

I second PP's suggestion of annual leave one day a week until you get it sorted - if you and your DH share a week on/week off then you'll hopefully not use too much.

When will eldest be 3? Usually easier (and less traumatic) to sort care for one approaching nursery funded hours.

Anyone with a nanny who would welcome a temporary share arrangement? Call in favours from family for a little bit?

Personally I would probably need to look for new childcare totally as the logistics (and upheaval for smallest) would be very difficult to manage.

NoSquirrels · 07/12/2016 23:02

Sorry, X-posted.

I think I would have to say it's not enough notice, and unless she can accommodate you somehow until you get things more sorted you'll need to be looking elsewhere for both DC.

Nanny would probably be best...

Original poster

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 23:04

Crossposted NoSquirrels. Eldest 3 in June, we had already planned to apply to nursery/preschool for September. No family nearby unfortunately.

OP posts:

Qwertie · 07/12/2016 23:11

We hired a nanny for our 2 under 3; it means they can be with their toys & comforts, you don't have to drop them off anywhere & for 2 or more children it's often cheaper.

throwingpebbles · 07/12/2016 23:13

you may need to plan to alternate taking that day off for a few weeks, that gives you time to hunt around

It's not perfect, but she may only be giving you part of the reason, so be understanding. Also, the reality of relying on a childminder is that you have to accept they may get sick etc
If it really is a disaster for one of you to drop a day a week then private nursery may be better. Mine both love their nursery.
I find I can get as much done in a four day week as a five day week though, and that saves on childcare costs...

Tanith · 07/12/2016 23:15

I would check your contract. They usually say that notice must not include holiday periods.

I can understand her reasons and she's within her rights to change her service so long as she gives the correct amount of notice, in this case a month.

It does work both ways. You'd presumably give her a month's notice if you wanted to change your hours?

BravoPanda · 07/12/2016 23:17

If you're self employed doesn't that make it a lot easier, take alternating weeks to have that day off until you find a new minder/nursery or both take half days. Lessens the impact across both jobs until a resolution can be found.

Original poster

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 23:18

I am definitely understanding, juggling full time self employed work and family life is HARD but the notice period sucks. What costs are we talking for a nanny or private nursery?

OP posts:

throwingpebbles · 07/12/2016 23:19

It's all very well saying check the contract/ threaten to move them entirely....but the reality is that this is a personal relationship that relies on a huge amount of trust. I'm a lawyer and my main advice is always try and manage things without getting to the point pointing at contractual provisions like that - it's a sign things have irretrievably broken down really in a situation like this. Far better to have some empathy for the childminder. Tbh if you can't treat with kindness and understanding someone who looks after your kids in their home 5 days a week then you have picked the wrong person!

Original poster

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 23:19

Not in the industries we work in unfortunately. Regular clients rely on us as much as we rely on a childminder!

OP posts:

throwingpebbles · 07/12/2016 23:20

Sorry x-post smiley -it varies a lot depending where you are etc

Original poster

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 23:21

Throwingpebbles, must have crossposted there as I said I am understanding, and personally don't see the point in making a big deal out of a few days less notice than should have been.

OP posts:

Original poster

smileygrapefruit · 07/12/2016 23:23

But the reality is, regardless of costs (although will be a huge factor for us), most childminders/nurseries/preschools will have a waiting list surely?

OP posts:

throwingpebbles · 07/12/2016 23:26

You might get lucky, depending which day of the week. My boys nursery was highly sort after (long waiting lists) but because of the days I wanted they were able to fit me in. It is always worth asking

Dozer · 07/12/2016 23:28

What day will she be booking off? If it's friday it could be easier for you to find another CM or a nanny who works on other days.

Dozer · 07/12/2016 23:28

Or nursery.

GravyAndShite · 07/12/2016 23:28

Oh no! That's very unprofessional. Usually 4 weeks is a minimum and those should be 4 weeks during a period that is not taken as holiday.

But what's done is done. You need to make a quick decision because you need to give 4 weeks notice too if you want to move the kids to a nursery or take on a nanny/au pair.

AleHouseWench · 07/12/2016 23:29

Not RTFT yet (I know I know) but check your contract fine print. If it's a PACEY one then it's very likely that notice persons cannot coincide with holiday period. If she's closed 2 weeks over Christmas this should buy you an extra couple of weeks after the holiday season tontey and find alternative care.

Flip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread