To ask how people cope going from part-time work to full-time with childcare/holidays

[Givemeyouropinion]

An opportunity in my current place of work is due to come up in the next 12 months. I currently work 2.5 days with grandparents covering childcare although there have been some
Issues with this along the way (not being able to cover my working days at times). He opportunity would be a step up the ladder doing a job I want but I would
Have to up my days to 4. My children will
Both be in full-time education by then on just worried about coping through the holidays as for the two of the days I only have childcare cover in the afternoons and one of the grandparents may not be able to do the same day every week. I’m looking for advice on how you cope or if you’ve been on my situation before how you’ve dealt with covering childcare in the holidays? Thank you

We both work full time, and DS goes to holiday care at a local nursery which is open 7.30-6 every day during all school holidays. It's £25 a day which covers all meals, and we use childcare vouchers to reduce the cost. We save vouchers through the year to reduce the shock of the summer holidays. We try to cover half term weeks with a/l.

Respective sets of parents will do the odd day here and there but we prefer not to bother them as they have their own lives etc etc.

I have a childminder who covers school drop offs, pick ups and holidays. The only days she doesn't work is bank holidays and Christmas. She takes 4 weeks a year holidays but that is easily covered between me and DH.
You really need to find good reliable paid childcare if you work full time imo.

I get childcare vouchers from work too which keeps the cost down. My cm is £5.50/hour which is expensive but she is outstanding and we've been with her for over 6 years since DD was 14 months old.

Does your school have a decent holiday club? Some schools have excellent cover for every half term and all of six week hols. DS school holiday club is a bit shit and only covers 2/6 weeks which is a bit stressful.

It’s usually the odd inset days that are most awkward. But if you also have family help then you should be ok.

How do you do the vouchers through work? Does every employer offer them or only some? I didn’t realise we had the opportunity to do this, that would be really helpful! Do you think this move will impact the children? They’ve always known me being at home for at least two
School days, I think I’m
Over thinking things and sure they will be fine! I have been lucky enough to work part-time while they were small and can’t really afford to pass this opportunity up as it won’t come around again for a long time if I do.

It depends on your employer, you need to find out quickly though as the government have decided in their infinite wisdom to change the scheme, and new joiners have to be enrolled by October this year. Basically you don't pay tax on the voucher amount. W

www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/childcare-vouchers

Thank you I will look into that

I persuaded my employer to join so it's always worth asking. I am the only one in my company with a school age child!

Are you a lone parent? Tax credits would assist with childcare costs.

I use a holiday club, run by the local nursery. They open 51 weeks a year. 07.30-18.00.

I didn't go back full-time until my youngest was 14 so childcare not an issue then. However, when they were younger, I always had to muddle through the holidays as I worked mornings only so had no childcare during term time.

They went to an afterschool club that ran during the holidays, as well as summer camps and grandparents.

I wouldn't worry about them being used to you being there now. Mine complained because they didn't go to an afterschool like their friends in term-time and complained because they went to afterschool club during the holidays! Grass is always greener etc.

I use Holiday club at a private nursery. 8-6. Tricky as the start isn’t really early enough and I have to do both drop off and pick up as it is only on my way to work. School also offer a holiday club ‘if enough people sign up’ funnily enough most work places aren’t too happy if staff say they will come in on that proviso!

There are also other schools that they offer holiday clubs to children who don’t attend the school it could be worth asking. My ds’s school doesn’t but the schools in the next village does.

You may also find sports camps and arts camps. The leisure centre in the town nearest me does one and the hours are ok if you work fairly close. There is a football one near me that my boy would love but it is 9.15 - 3.30. I could make it work by using it as a half work day. Not suitable for every holiday but ok for a one off.

Try not to panic. Maybe post on a local
Facebook page for advice specif to your locality.