Part time childcare?

[childcareque]

I know this is probably not the right topic but maybe it has more traffic. Im looking to go back to work BUT the clincher is that my dh works away for 4 weeks at a time (and then he is home for 4!) so the childcare I need will only be in 4 week chunks and it will only be after school for an hour 3 days a week. When my dh is home then obviously we won't need childcare as he can do it? The school Afterschool is full anyway so that's not an option and they will still charge even when the dc don't attend which is a shame. So does anyone know what our options are? Does anyone else have the same situation? Thank you

A neighbour who is retired / otherwise not working /only works part time who you could ask to pick DC up when needed for similar money to what you would pay the afterschool club?

@BingPot99 there's no one around here that I would know that well but I suppose it might be an option if I got to know them 👍🤣....thank you

A parent from the school might feasibly do this. Do you have any parents’ forum where you could ask?

I used to need childcare which was erratic hours and it was pretty awful to find anyone, especially anyone reliable. When they got to school age I did find a childminder parent who did it and it worked brilliantly.

@MatildaTheCat I have thought about asking a good friend of eldest dc at school....BUT I don't want to ruin our relationship. I keep thinking what if it doesn't work. But it is an option...albeit maybe a last resort.

There are a few childminders who kind of focus on people with shift work or who need ad-hoc care. As long as you give 30 days notice, they can ensure you get your hours. They may charge more per hour understandably.

Another option is a Mum at school. There are several Mums who do it on a part time basis. Like the extra funds but don't particularly want all 10 months/year taken up with childminding. You may find that schedule suits one of them whose looking to work but still wants balance.

[quote childcareque]@MatildaTheCat I have thought about asking a good friend of eldest dc at school....BUT I don't want to ruin our relationship. I keep thinking what if it doesn't work. But it is an option...albeit maybe a last resort. [/quote]
I personally wouldn’t ask a friend outright, you’re right, it’s awkward. Just ask around for a childminder/parent who might be able to help. Do you have a class WhatsApp group or a school bulletin board?

Could you not just ask for flexible working every other month? Finish an hour earlier, or take a shorter lunch break.