Can I use a childminder for wrap around care?

[ziggiestardust]

DH works shifts, and I work 9-5.

50% of the time, DH will be able to do pick up and drop off. The other 50%, because the nursery is 8-4:30 (and it's really good so am reluctant to choose another), would it be possible to drop DS at a childminder to be dropped off at nursery, and for the CM to pick him up and keep him until 6pm?

It's just an extension of the care, so 2.5 hours a day, possibly less, 50% of the time.

Is this acceptable? Can you do this?

Yep. Most will want set days, but yes.

Hmm.

I theiry yes but I wouldn't give up a full time space for such little hours. I'd also feel pretty second best being asked to only drop and collect at another childcare provision.

My neighbour have this type of care for her 2 children. Her childminder works with another childminder making school and nursery pick-up easier.
In fact I think the child minder just now does drop offs and pick ups and has no full time charges.

I can give days and hours required 6 weeks prior, so notice isn't a problem.

nicknacks I can understand that, I hope I didn't offend you.

pancakeflipper where are you based? Do you think I'd be able to find this sort of arrangement in Surrey?

No your missing the point. You'd probably have to pay for all the days even on the weeks you won't need them. Unless someone has an ad-hoc space for an under 5 they don't mind giving you.

Oh gosh no not offended!

Sadly not near Surrey but hope you find someone who can help.

nicknacks no that's fair enough given the number of hours

Would a nanny service be a better bet, do you think?

From an ex childminder pow I would not offer the space mostly because of the timing. 4.30 is dinner timeish and I would have to drag all the other children with me to collect yours.
Also that would be very few hours I would have to charge a higher fee and want paying all days you might need as otherwise it just wouldn't be worth keeping the space open.

How about a CM all day - we follow the same curriculum as nurseries?

To be honest I've never really considered a CM all day. I don't know why!

Is the nursery near a school? If so ask there about possible CM's - our school has a list of local ones who do drop/collection. Worth an ask.

Yes it is pancake. I would be happy if the CM wanted to pick up along with the other children at primary school kick out time, as like I say; it wouldn't be all the time. Between 8 and 15 days a month depending on DH's pattern and when it fell.

This would normally be where a family member stood in, but we don't have anyone to help us out.

HSMMaCM I think that because up until now, where I've lived there's been such poor CM provision. Nurseries are the only option, really.

As a cm I wouldn't like to do a 4.30 pick up but if I had a spare space would maybe suggest a 3.45/4pm pick up to fit with school runs and save taking the others back out. You may struggle with the few hours though.

Ah ... Of course I'm not suggesting you go for poor quality care. Just that it might have been easier to find an all day CM than a few hours.

How about a student, who could fit it around classes? (But might not be around in the holidays)

I've just tried to find exactly the same thing op (although different area) and out of twelve child minders in my catchment, none wanted the job as it's too few hours .

I needed pick up from school attached preschool at 3pm and look after him until 6pm. set days no shift pattern.

I've had to call in favours from friends and rearrange my working hours.

I wonder whether in this case, an au pair might be a better option? She could more or less be a full time student, so a good opportunity for her as the hours would be so low.

twinkle yes I'd be willing to be flexible with that as I appreciate the timing can be a bit difficult!

I might have a look at au pair agencies to see if that might suit us more; I suppose then at least if a train was running late it wouldn't be as big an issue. It's only pick up and drop off between 8 - 15 days a month, depending on DH's shift pattern.

Or advertise at a local FE college for a student? It's the type of job a retiree might like too.

Good thought FE I'll do that actually.

I think the problem is that wraparound CMs are generally looking after school age children and may not be familiar with the early years foundation stuff that is needed for under 5s. They may also not be OFSTED registered for under 5s as there are separate registers for different ages. As a wraparound/holiday CM I am only on the childcare & voluntary (over 8s) registers, not the EYFS one.

I would be happy about the hours (most of mine will only be 2-3 hours after school) but as others have said, I don't think you could specify a random 8-15 days a month, you'd have to book her for set days e.g. Mon/Tues/Weds every week or every day, not Monday one week and then Tuesday the next, as she won't be able to fill the free days with anyone else and CMs are limited on the numbers they can take with little ones.

Yes I would agree with an au pair. They are only suppose to do 20 ish hrs a week anyway, so many would like your arrangement. You could add an evening babysit as less hours in week generally, and also they are usually willing to work a full day occasionally ( for extra obv) if childs off school sick/ staff development day etc

Around £100 a week depending on area.