Childminder 3 weeks sick.

[OttilieStonelady]

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...

@TheRebelle

I think in her line of work being closed for three weeks in unacceptable to be honest, I know it’s not her fault but she should have some back up, perhaps she should employ an agency worker like nurseries do.

I’d move to a nursery if I were you, you need reliability.

I agree on the nursery. But honestly what do you expect the childminder to do? If she's too unwell to work she's too unwell. I'm sure she hasn't taken it lightly as she will be losing money too.

I think this situation only works if you do have back up. If you need your childcare to be cast iron then I think it's not for you.

childcare.co.uk/?

I would also recommend a nursery above a childminder, even if a member of team is sick they always have cover (mine did anyhow)!
Lone parent here too, I would have loved to use a childminder but always worried me the 1 man band thing

@YesEllis

What county are you in OP? I work PT (2 days a week) and spend the other 5 looking after my 2yo and would happily look after another. I'm sure other women on here may be willing to help if you can give a rough location (I get not wanting to share specifics!)

Good lord You’re a better person than I am!!

[quote zoeydollie]@ememem84 not sure where you are, but nannies usually earn £10-£20 an hour, whereas childminders are about £4-6 an hour and nurseries maybe £40-£70 a day.[/quote]
I was told to use a nanny once when DD was little. Nursery was £37 a day and that was a struggle enough to pay!

If you could work from home maybe you could find a student to help you out? Your dc would be happy in their own home and you might feel it's safe if you are in the house? You might even get a childcare student. Your best bet though is to ask other mums for recommendations.

Definitely ask other moms for help. A student may also be willing to babysit, try asking childcare students at your local community college for assistance.

The reason he is at a childminder and not a nursery is due to the cost. His dad is not around, at all. My friend is taking him for a couple of days and my manager has agreed to let me take some reading home with me and to change my deadline if I can't sort something for next week. I can't afford nursery, it's a third more than the cost of a childminder. Never expected to be a lone parent doing this on my own on one wage, but I am so I guess these hurdles are ones I'll have to face! Re not trusting a student, my toddler is really hard word, and I just don't want to leave him with somebody I don't know. Even with nursery or childminders they have settling in sessions and introductions etc. It's not because I think they're going to do anything awful, it's just not something I personally would do.

Sometime, you are going to have to leave your child with someone they don't know. Due to illness (you or him), or some other reason
When this current crisis is over, I highly recommend you get both yourselves used to that thought and introduce your child to the idea, and the practicality, in a controlled manner, so that you never have to do it for the first time in an emergency.
Just think how much easier your life would be if you could leave your child with people, and neither you nor he would get all stressed about it.
Also explore options for emergency childcare just in case a similar situation happens again. Make an agreement with other parents, neighbours, a local teenager etc so that you have a variety of options to call on.

Re not trusting a student, my toddler is really hard word, and I just don't want to leave him with somebody I don't know. Even with nursery or childminders they have settling in sessions and introductions etc. It's not because I think they're going to do anything awful, it's just not something I personally would do.

Most babysitters would be more than happy to meet you & DC ahead of babysitting. Also difficult toddlers can be a dream for someone else who isn't mum

My DD always suggested this to new babysitting jobs & without fail that hour she spent meeting the DC left them looking forward to seeing her again & not in the least bit bothered DM wasn't there, she has a special affinity with SN kids who are drawn to her & would no doubt often be seen as difficult & she enjoys spending time with them more

I would recommend Nextdoor app. Very likely that there will be people on there with College / Uni student children who are now free.

Sorry I hadn’t read your most recent comment about students. Hope everything gets sorted for you .💐

Do you qualify for any universal credit to help with the childcare costs?