Is this viable?

[meredeux]

I (really, reeaally, REEAALLY!) want to go back to work after several years as a SAHM but I've been advised that the only way I can get a permanent job would be to refresh my CV with a couple of temporary jobs first.

The jobs would be in the City and we live in Surrey so with travelling I'd be away 7am - 7pm. My DC are at junior school from 8:45am - 3:15pm.

Would childminders look at taking on children to cover these sort of hours plus school holidays/ inset days etc?

Some might, you won't know until you ask. So I would suggest getting the list of local childminders from Surrey FIS - some childminders also list info online on Surrey Childcare Finder.
Consider childminders who live near the junior school, as you would be wanting someone who can take/collect from the school.

Thanks. I can see how it would be a long day and being only temporary (at first hopefully) would put people off too.

Is there any other way if I can't find a childminder?

Nannies would do a long day but your ideal one would be before/after school term time and all day on school holidays. Possible, may suit a nanny with their own child. Wouldn't suit a nanny like me though who needs same income all year.

Childminders would usually require notice that you wanted to end the contract... can be 4+ weeks notice. Would you not be aiming to have temporary jobs back to back, to avoid stopping/starting childcare?

Sounds like a typical au pair role to me - 30 hours a week normally for say £80 plus board and lodging and when you work in holidays an extra 6 hours a day for perhaps £40 would be fair, although some people exploit au pairs by paying them peanuts for extra hours.

As stated by nannynick, do try the Nanny option. Speak to nannies in Surrey and see if you can negotiate to what suits you the best. ALso feel free to look around Nannies and Nanny in Surrey This should give you enough options. Try startin a thread here lookin for CMs or Nannies! This should set you up :)

I'd like temp jobs back to back but its unlikely I'd be able to get them. What i am hoping is that after 2 or 3 jobs. I'd be able to get a permanent one.

Thanks for all the advice. My children are aged 10 and 8 and I find that apart from chauffeur, cleaner, cook and occasional homework help (plus dispute arbitration!), they just don't need me any more.

My children are aged 10 and 8

In that case a childminder could well be an option because they will not take up space that could be used full time by another child - over 7 years old being the critical point.

OTOH this is a typical au pair position which would give you a lot more flexibility.

I have messaged you about this..

I am a childminder and I would be very happy if a parent like you came my way especially as my eldest keeps moaning all the children I look after are to babyish for her to play with.