When to start looking for childcare, and some other questions.

[Backinthebox]

I am hoping to return to work in July, when my son will be 10 months old. I have a job which means I can be absent from the home with work for up to 4 days at a time, and is a skilled occupation which requires me to return full time initially to ensure I get back up to speed, and then returning to my old part-time pattern. My work pattern would requires me to be at work for 3 days in weeks 1 and 3, 4 or 5 days in week 2, and week 4 would be a week off. To top it off I work shifts! Complicated, I know, but that's the best I'm going to get from my employer.

I know there are people out there who are happy to provide childcare in these odd requirements, as some of my colleagues have found someone to do it. I'm wondering though how long I should allow myself to find someone who can work these weird and wonderful timings? I imagine it would suit someone best who has their own child and doesn't want to work a full month, but flexibility is the key (I would be happy to employ someone who wants to bring the child with them. Our home is in a very rural setting and fabulous for children.)

Also, do you think I would be looking for 2 people - a temporary full timer then a permanent part timer? Or do you think I could find someone who would be happy for a 4 month full-time settling in period before going part time?

I should mention I also have a 3.6 yo daughter who will be at school from Sept. But this will be my first employee!

Rural childcare can be hard to find. Do any of your colleagues live in the same village? If so perhaps you could use the same childcare they use. If not, what type of childcare do they use?

I think the sooner the better TBH.

Last week, I had a just pregnant mum come to see me about returning to work in September 2012. The parents are flight crew and will work odd shift pattens, and the child will be here overnight!

Good luck

I think the sooner the better too particularly as you have such specific requirements. Good luck

agree sooner the better as have weird unusual :) shifts

basically you need cover for 3 out of 4 weeks a month

the fact you are happy to have nwoc is a plus as you are flexible

when you say absent for 4 days, do you mean you need 24hr childcare ie days and nights?

sure whoever you have would be happy to have 4mths full time then part time as long as you explain at interview

my friend does shifts a bit like yours,works a week m-f then a week thur/fri and a week off

So, another thing to add to this week's to do list then . Booh may have an inkling as to what my work lifestyle is like . I'd better get looking. When I say I'm absent, I really am not there, or contactable in any way whilst at work, however my husband is home overnight. I wouldn't need overnight childcare, but I would need someone who would be capable of managing things without any input from me for a few days at a time, including meals and any day to day issues, etc. OH loves his kids, but the food fairy sorts all meals out normally! And he'd be clueless when it came to school matters, as I do that side of things.

Hi Backinthebox - Ahhhh your another one of those!

I have had a few children who have flight crew parents. For me its totally no problem that I don't see mum / dad for anything up to 4 days. One family, mum is flight crew and dad does 9-5.

Some parents want texts at the end of the day, other want no contact as they just want to concentrate on work.

Also, I sort out homework for older kids, take them to birthday parties, after school clubs etc etc

thats what my nannys mb does

small world eh :)

and fwiw a good nanny will be able to sort out day to day stuff/meals etc without needing to talk to you :)