PIckup and bedtime childcare

[BelleCurve]

Hi, just got a new job which means I will have to work later than current childcare pickup times.

I am LP and DS is 4, currently goes to childminder 7.30am till 6pm. The new job is likely not to finish till 6.30pm plus 1 hour commute, so I won't be back until 7.30pm (maybe later occasionally).

I was thinking of getting an au pair, but would rather not have someone live-in and would like to not disrupt DS at the childminder as he is really settled there. Do you think I could find someone to pick him up at 6pm, bath and put him to bed or would it be better to scrap the CM and get a nanny?

You could but i think it would be though on him. The last thing he will want after such a long day with a cm is to be picked up by someone else! Is this 5 days?
I would think au pair plus nursery/school is best bet (shorter days in school nursery) if you have room i would say you will have to grin and bear having someone live in for the sake of your ds. You could go for a nanny depending on your budget but if he's 4 he must be starting school soon?

Will you still be dropping at 7.30 am?

I presume he starts school in September...

X posts!

Yes he will be starting school in Sept. Currently goes mornings to nursery. I would much rather he didn't have such a long day and i will plan to get back earlier at least one or two nights a week but can't guarantee which nights so will need someone around.

I can see an au pair would be the better solution when he starts school but what about the holidays? Those hours will be too long for an aupair surely?

Is it worth getting a nanny with own child to do 12-7.30pm as can collect from nursery then only one childcarer n nanny with own child shoold be cheaper or even a nursery nurse looking for first nanny job they can be ofsted registered so use vouchers.

I have actually done jobs where done 5.30-8.30/9.30 so collect from after school club then take home do dinner n bed was usually once twice wk but charged min 3hrs.