Backup Childminder ? Does it exist?

[jaabaar]

Hi,

My daughter has a 3 day a week stay at the nursery. However I do have to find a solution for the days when she is sick, or nursery closes due to weather.

I would be very glad if anyone could suggest any ideas!!

I have no family close by who can fill in.

Thank you.

ask the local CMs if they can sign up to do ad-hoc care

some might jump at the chance - you may pay a higher hourly rate as it will be late-notice for them

BUT

they will not take an ill child, the same as nursery, or be able to go over their numbers

ring your local authority Early Years team for a list of CMs local to you

Temp nanny? But it would depend on the illness of the child as to whether you have one.

It's tough when you don't have any back up.

You can try www.emergencychildcare.co.uk for short notice childcare.
However I do think thet an ill child recovers best at home with a parent by her side. I'm a childminder and I would NEVER look after a sick child as I'd be risking spreading the infection on me, my own children and other mindees which would mean that I would have to close and not charge the parents when I'm ill and they would have to find alternative childcare for that time ...

If your child is too ill for nursery then she is also too ill for a childminder. Perhaps you would be better off with a 3 day week nanny. I'm quite happy to do emergency nannying but a sick child does not want a stranger caring for them. At least with a permanent nanny they get to know each other. Perhaps you could ask the nursery who they use as bank staff as they may have a few local childminders that do emergency work and would then be known to your child.

p.s. you would have to check that they have nanny insurance though as childminder insurance is for their own home.