A question for CMs - working around shifts

[glitternanny]

Hi everyone.

if you've seen any of my posts, and with my username, I'm a pregnant nanny trying to work out if my bosses will have me back with my baby.

Looking at childcare a cm is my only choice with the hours I do.

Question 1: can/do/would CMs accomodate a start as early as 6:15?

Question 2: my OH does shift work so over the 3 weeks (15 working days) pattern we'd need 8 full days (6:15/7am - 5:45/6:30) and 3 mornings (7:00-12ish)

would this be feasible?

Sorry meant to add that my days at work are either 7-5:30 with a 20mile commute (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) or 7:30-5:30 4miles down the road (Monday and Wednesday)

I think you should be a able to find a place. The problem is that many parents with "difficult" working patterns do not appreciate that whilst they may be working less than a standard week, they are taking a full time place which could otherwise be taken up by a family with a full time child using "normal hours" (which is probably going to make life a lot easier for the CM). I think you will be lucky to get a minder to agree to accept payment only for the hours you want, and you may need to be prepared to negotiate on this. But then, presumably the same sort of discussion will have been had about your own salary negotiations and meeting your employers' needs, so maybe that is not so much a concern.

1. Some do, but there is likely to be a higher charge up to double time for childcare earlier or later than the childminder's usual hours. Some will not, for various reasons.

1. Usually you would need to pay for all the hours you need to be reserved for your child ... although you may not need the same hours each week the childminder will not be able to use the time for another child when your child isn't using the place.

So some childminders might charge full fees for each hour you need reserving regardless of whether your child attends. I charge half fees for the reserved hours (ie, you pay full fees for the booked time, half fees for the remaining hours). Some childminders can be more flexible, perhaps they can use the time off for studying or family time. There are arrangements where you pay for a fixed number of hours per week, with the flexibility to book which hours those will be subject to sufficient notice to the childminder.

Where are you? You will need to contact childminders locally to find out exactly what options are available to you.

It's really going to depend on the individual childminder. The one I use likes to stay under her full capacity for numbers whenever possible, so she can be flexible without having to charge for a full time place. But I don't know if all CMs will be like this, I know some rely on the money much more so can't afford to be so flexible.

Thank you so much everyone.

I'm in Hertfordshire, near Hertford.

My other option is to become a CM myself!!!

Right now I wish I worked in an office!!!

Thanks again! :)

How come you can't take your baby with you? Will they not let you? If not, I'd advertise your services (with your baby) closer to home...

A. x

Well my 2 day job said no - tho both the kids will be at school fulltime!!! Her reason was they wanted sole care for their two - 5 & 7!!

Waiting to hear from my other job.