Temporary childcare to cover p/t reception until half term - how to find?

[watersign76]

Hi

Like many we are facing DS who is starting reception in Sept having a staggered entry. He'll be doing 08:55 - 11:50 (!) from early Sept until Half Term. This is an issue and both DH and I both work almost full time. I am freelance, but have a big project on during Sept/Oct (naturally).

My parents can help out a bit, and he has a place at the After School Club, but I am going to have to find somebody who can collect him from school, mind him and then take him to the ASC - as I don't want him joining it in Nov when all the other kids have bonded for nearly 2 months.

When I have looked previously there are v few (if any) childminders that will go to our school, so I am thinking that a Nanny - who is prepared to fit in with our rather awkward specific needs - would be a better option.

Apart from potentially mentioning it on here, where should I advertise? Childcare.co.uk? Gumtree? Or it an agency a better? We are in East London near the tube if that makes any odds.

And do you think it is worth looking now? I am guessing that I'll have more chance later as there is the risk of something better coming up for anyone we talk to now.

I am hoping I can find somebody who is prepared to work self-employed to avoid PAYE for such a short period.

Any thoughts/comments?

TIA

Ask the school if they know any childminders who could do it.

I would ask the school to provide a full time place for him TBH.

Sorry to drip feed. I have sent a begging letter to the school, but knowing parents with older kids there, they aren't known for the flex approach...no response yet. We are going in for a session in a few weeks, so will bring it up then.

I am guessing they won't be willing to commit that he can go full-time, but might suggest that it could be a possibility based on their view once he is at school. The work contract I have is too large/important for and it is going to stress me out no end if we don't have something sorted.

I know that the staggered entry is for the child's benefit, but he has been in almost full-time childcare since 9 months, so we think that having a stranger (albeit a childcare professional) and a gap in the day will be worse than feeling tired/overwelmed at school....but obviously we would say that!

Will ask the school about childminders once we have heard back.

Thanks for your responses.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/1497161-Parents-rights-on-staggered-reception-start-dates

You might find this thread helpful, OP

To summarise, they pretty much do have to offer a full time place. But worth a read.

Moaing - you have made my weekend by posting that thread!!!

Wow! Will await what the schools says, if not I'll be getting my "DfE says" out!!!!

Thanx all

I'm an Ofsted registered nanny (soon to be childminder come Aug/sept) in East London. Where abouts are you as I may be of help to you or could recommend some nannies/childminders and childcare websites etc.