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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Childminder 3 weeks sick.

112 replies

OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:17

My childminder is unwell and has messaged to say she is closed for a further two weeks. She's been closed for a week already. Not her fault of course. She's a wonderful lady and I have no doubt that she's actually unwell. I'm just a bit stuck as a lone parent. I can't seem to find any alternative childcare last minute, childminder doesn't know of anyone and all my family work full time. I only have half a day of annual leave left and can't afford to take unpaid time off. Also have a huge deadline at work. Not really sure how Mumsnet can help but could use some words of solidarity and hearing other people's experiences? Feeling extremely anxious about this! It's made me question my parenting ability and whether my child is going to end up in difficult positions in the future because I'm a lone parent with very little help. Thoughts running away with me...

OP posts:
buckeejit · 27/06/2021 22:19

Call your local social worker early years team for help finding emergency childcare

Good luck

MyMushroomsInATimeSlip · 27/06/2021 22:20

Such a difficult situation when it's all down to you. I used a nursery then before and after school clubs for mine as I was wary of this happening.
Will your funds stretch to an emergency nanny for now

mnahmnah · 27/06/2021 22:20

Are you on a local mums Facebook group? I have seen a few people in your situation post on our group. There are always links to emergency childcare services

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 27/06/2021 22:21

What have you tried so far? Just don't want to recomethings youbhave already done.

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:22

@buckeejit

Call your local social worker early years team for help finding emergency childcare

Good luck

I didn't even know this existed. My child hasn't seen a health visitor for 18 month, since the age of 1 because of covid so I'm a bit clueless as to what's out there. Relocating hasn't helped.
OP posts:
womaninatightspot · 27/06/2021 22:24

I had some luck when I posted on the childminder facebook page.

cansu · 27/06/2021 22:24

The idea that a social worker will help with finding childcare is ridiculous.

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:25

@Iminaglasscaseofemotion

What have you tried so far? Just don't want to recomethings youbhave already done.
Thanks everyone. I've phoned so many local childminders, and all local nurseries but they won't take children not already registered. A couple directly stated this is down to covid. Just exhausted by it and hit a brick wall.
OP posts:
Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:26

@cansu

The idea that a social worker will help with finding childcare is ridiculous.
Based of my understanding of social work, they won't be interested because my child isn't at risk, and this isn't really what they're designed for.
OP posts:
WisestIsShe · 27/06/2021 22:27

Perhaps pp meant the early years department at the council, not social work? In my council area the early years team would try to help with this.

mrsbyers · 27/06/2021 22:28

Can you ask to work from home for the two weeks ?

MrsFin · 27/06/2021 22:28

Try your local FB group. Or ask at the local college if anyone doing childcare studies would be interested.

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:29

@mrsbyers

Can you ask to work from home for the two weeks ?
I can't as I need specific systems and data which I can't take home on paper due to their sensitive nature.
OP posts:
webuiltthiscityonrockandwheat · 27/06/2021 22:29

There's a website emergencychildcare.co.uk which will list all settings that offer short notice, short term childcare

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:30

I'm going to try and find a Facebook group that can help. Thank you for the suggestion (I don't have Facebook, maybe it's time I joined!)

OP posts:
AdriannaP · 27/06/2021 22:30

Local Facebook sites
Nextdoor app
Childcare.co.uk
Hire a nanny/babysitter to work from your home (yes it’s expensive but better than taking unpaid leave/losing your job)

AdriannaP · 27/06/2021 22:31

@mrsbyers

Can you ask to work from home for the two weeks ?
Have you tried working from home for days with a small child at home? It’s impossible in 99% of serious jobs.
Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:32

It would be a nightmare!

OP posts:
hookiewookie29 · 27/06/2021 22:32

Have a look on the family information service on your local councils website. Lots of childminders etc on there!

MrsFin · 27/06/2021 22:33

Where are you OP? Maybe someone on here can help or knows someone who can.

What are the parents of the other kids at the CM doing? Maybe you can help each other out.

AdriannaP · 27/06/2021 22:34

OP I often found last minute childcare through childcare.co.uk - they have childminders, babysitters and nannies. Might have to consider a childminder that is not super close but has availability. Best to pay 14.99 for the 14 day subscription so you can contact the childminders and nannies. Good luck.

Cattitudes · 27/06/2021 22:38

University and Upper sixth-form will probably have broken up so you might be able to find a student. Perhaps not ideal but you are in a tricky situation. A neighbour might be able to recommend someone.

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 27/06/2021 22:39

@Cattitudes

University and Upper sixth-form will probably have broken up so you might be able to find a student. Perhaps not ideal but you are in a tricky situation. A neighbour might be able to recommend someone.
I definitely wouldn't trust a student I've never met before to look after my child. Call me paranoid!
OP posts:
Lindy2 · 27/06/2021 22:40

Try "sitters.co.uk"

It's a group where you can advertise for ad hoc childcare requirements.

Findahouse21 · 27/06/2021 22:42

You say that nurseries won't take him if he's not registered - could you remove him from the childminder and start him somewhere else, especially if he's not of an age to start school this year. Nurseries are much less likely to close due to suckness/staffing issues.