Hi there, I really need some advice on my best options for overnight childcare.
Basically, I live in Croydon, I am a single mother to 3 boys, aged 2, 7 and 9.
I work full time as a community midwife and I have to cover between 5-6 on calls a month, which sometimes include a Saturday night.
In terms of my requirements, my 2 yr old goes to nursery full time and the older boys attend an after school club until 1630. Therefore I would only require help from the au pair should I get called out in the night, as she would need to bring the children to nursery and school. I could also do with the occasional babysitting now and then.
I am however slightly reluctant to have an au pair, as obviously they would be living with us 24/7. It would also mean that I would have to shuffle the boys bedrooms around to free up a room for her.
So that then makes me wonder whether I should consider an overnight babysitter (if they exist??), who would also be able to bring them to school and nursery in the event that I am called out. If I went for this option, would a sofa bed in the lounge be appropriate? and what are the fees likely to be??
I would really appreciate it if anybody that has been in a similar situation to me could give me some advice on the matter.
Thanks in advance
Claire