Do we have unrealistic expectations?

[HMTheQueen]

Come September, we will have three children in school - one 7yo, and two 4yos. We will need someone who can pick them up from school - take them home, supervise homework, cook dinner, facilitate playdates, take them to clubs/activities etc etc. Then more hours during school holidays - when the kids aren't at activities/holiday clubs etc.

Does this sort of job even exist? Who would want to do a job like this - surely not a young person who would want a full time position? Maybe an older mum with kids that are grown?

I can't imagine anyone being flexible enough for this job - but I see people advertising for them - surely they find them?

It's find some magical part-time Mary Poppins or I give up work.....

It is worth trying - It may suit a student who is in college in the daytime, or an older person who doesn't want to work full time. A childminder near me only takes after-school children as she likes to be really busy for 3 hours a day and have the rest of the time to herself. I'm planning on doing the opposite and only taking pre-school, term time only children within the school day. I've had enquiries already and am not even registered yet!

Part time nanny? Nanny share? Au pair? I think it'll be a lot of advertising and a lot of sifting, but you'll get there!

I think the fact you don't need the morning help too is better than needing 8-9am as well. I can know of 1 nanny at school that does that - there are people that will.

I thought about an Au Pair, but we don't really have the space unfortunately. I'd not really thought about a college student - although that would make sense.

We really only need those 3 hours after school - we can get them there in the morning, but afternoons are a bit of a nightmare!

A childminder might be the way to go - but we'd really like the kids to still have playdates/after school activities, which wouldn't really be suitable in terms of a childminder and other people's children.

Gah - I think you're right..... lots of advertising and sifting ahead!!!

I've found a part time live out nanny who's happy to do it, she's a nanny with lots of experience who is now studying for a degree. I have had a lot of interest from people with little or no nannying experience, students of all ages (mostly foreign), mothers with older children, people who are trying to break into childcare, people who do completely unrelated jobs but only in the morning, etc. Being in London probably makes it easier. It's worth trying.

You might have to compromise during holidays though, if the nanny has other jobs in the morning that they can't really drop to work full time only during holidays. My current nanny is willing to study less during holidays but otherwise I would have to rely on a combination of holiday clubs, camps, family and holidays.

It does exist as that's the type of job I am currently doing. I have my. Basic wage for before and after nursey/ school and inthe holidays I get additional pay per hour. But I am a student (studying with the Open Univeristy). And I do know other girls who prefer to work like that aswell.