EMERGENCY CHILDCARE NEEDED - ANY ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS ?

[KenningtonKitty]

I had an accident today and have broken my finger - so typing one handed with arm in sling !

I am a full time Mum based in Central London with 2 kids - 4 yrs and 9 months so need to find some full-time help for a couple of weeks as will be out of action.

I have no experience at all of finding at-home care so does anyone have any suggestions of where to find help at short notice - or recommendations if you have done this in the past.

Hope you guys can, as ever, come up with the goods.

Thanks

KenningtonKitty

Have you looked on childcare link or called your cis to find availble minders and give them a bell.

website for childcare link is www.childcarelink.gov.uk
The site will have the phone number for your local children's information service (run by your local council) - and the website will list local childcare providers, including childminders with current vacancies.

Other things to consider are putting an ad on gumtree.com, or nannyjob.co.uk, for temporary mother's help/nanny..or putting a postcard in local shop window.

Good luck

As you are in central london and I presume need urgent childcare to start ASAP, perhaps quickest method may be to contact local nanny agencies, as they will know of people who may be able to do a couple of weeks temp work.

I'd suggest calling Natasha at Burlington 0207 8219911. Based in SW1W postcode area, Natasha in my opinion is likely to find you someone.

I'm a bit of a loss as to why you need childcare just because you've broken your finger! But nevertheless, I assume it isn;t a straightforward break!

I would try tinies at canary wharf - Liz is excellent there. They provide lots of temp cover and I'm sure she will be able to source someone suitable:)

Don't be put off by the address - most nannies will be willing to travel a fair bit for temp work!

Thanks for all your advice - my fabulous Mum dropped everything and is coming to stay - Mums - What would we do without them (sometimes !)

I wouldn't be able to change a nappy with a broken finger, soapbox. I think needing some help is not surprising under the circumstances.

could she not change a nappy with the other hand?

one-handed nappy changing?? whats this now? some kind of magical wizardry im not a part of??

I have a 9 month old baby and I think I would find changing a nappy with one hand a tad difficult. Share your technique and Ill have a bash!!

Erm...lets picture a typical 9 month old baby, just learning to roll over, covered in something rather yucky after eating mashed up baby food, followed by fruit puree....

I think I'd need more than two hands!!!!