What's the optimum working week?

[witmum]

What is the optimum working pattern to juggle pick up/drop off and school holidays? I just can't work it out.

This is my last year before DS starts school and I potentially need to apply to change my working pattern. My employer is flexible but I am in a senior management role.

I currently work 30 hours over 4.5 days. I think I could reduce to 27 without any concern but i need as much annual leave as possible.

DH can do the majority of drop offs but there are weeks her is away with work.

Family may be able to help with holidays and holiday clubs.

Agggghhhhh I can't to the maths.

I worked full time and had an excellent childminder who did holidays, after school and inset days, I paid her the same each month to cover this and it was a godsend not having to continously juggle. If I was looking for an optimum schedule I would have this but for only 4 days.

We both work full time
Two days a week breakfast club and after school club
I do drop off one day (husband starts early) and husband does pick up (I work until 5pm)
I pick up twice a week and do shorter days with additional hours on the wraparound care days and half an hour lunches.

So I do 2 x 8.5 hours, 1 x 7.5 hours, 2 x 5.5 hours.

I value my two days at pick up for being able to host playdates, do extra curricular activities and just feel a part of the school community.

In the school holidays we use parents, unpaid statutory parental leave and holiday clubs.

Holiday clubs are much easier and much more niche in terms of facilitating a child's interest when they go to school.

Yes I want to be there and part of the school community but also work. It sounds like you found the balance.

I am sure holiday clubs will be a godsend with him being so young and not in the setting I can't imagine how he will get on.

I think in reality we will want the break/ space from each other 😂.

So they children enjoy it? I never had a childminder so I have no experience of it.