Adhoc childcare - what does everyone do? apart from ask mates or family??

[TheBlonde]

What are the options for adhoc childcare?

I have various hospital/other appts coming up which I can't take DS to.
Nearby family all work.
Mummy friends generally work part-time so I don't feel I can ask them.

What do other people do??

I used to do ad-hoc childcare for a few people when I was childminding.

I've used a nanny agency. I've stuck with the same agency and there appear to be some nannies who only want to do short term temp contracts (generally older nannies who like to do one or two days a week). It may sound a bit haphazard but it has worked out great for us - I tend to need a nanny around 3-5 times a month, and over the past 4 yeasr have always had one of 3 ladies. You may need to ask around a few agencies though because some only seem to try and place nannies in ft jobs. Mine offers a babysitting service as well.

Ladymuck - did you just get one bill from the agency or do you have to pay the nanny separately?

One option I use is to take someone with me. DS is deaf and has loads of appointments, if I have nobody to look after the other 2 I sometimes take my sister with me, she can't look after them on her own for health reasons, but can sit with them in the waiting room if that makes sense.

I am a nanny who does ad - hoc childcare for people. There are many of us around!

Jules - do you do it through an agency?

I use my cleaner, my old cleaner, a couple of girls from dd's nursery if they are available

No i dont. I advertise privately

where abouts are you Jules?

Im in Croydon, South London

shame - I'm in N Yorks!

I am a childminder and I too do ad hoc/emergency care when places permit.
I cover holidays and sickness for childminders I know (and infact for one I do not know, the mum just got my details off cis), I have done care for similar to that you require for friends of my mindees families, for friends and relatives and I also do respite for social services which is usually late notice.
As I have a couple of mornings and afternoons where I only have 2 unders 5's (I am allowed 3) I am quite happy to do ad hoc care. I would ask any friends who use childminders if they would ask them if they do this kind of care.

Most childminders I know would do ad hoc childcare, so long as they have the vacancy to do it.

Thanks everyone, the council are sending me the CM vacancy list

I use my cleaner, she is great

I have just registered on emergencychildcare.co.uk as a childminder but before they release childminders details onto their website they want more childminders to register. Currently you can only view emergency nannies and nurseries. Apparently it will be up and running for minders from November time. So childminders - get registering! and Theblonde - keep details of website for next time!

Interesting site Ally.
(emergency nanny £17.00 per hour!!! )