can anyone help??!!

[chanti]

I work 3 days a week at a theatre, which means i have unconventional working hours, 4pm to 10.30pm to be more precise. Usually childcare is not a problem as my dd's father looks after her for me, but he sometimes works away from home for a couple of months at a time, so we then rely completely on both our parents to look after our dd between them. This week, neither parents have been able care for our dd, which has resulted in me taking 2 days off work, which is not ideal! So, we need a back up plan, can anyone suggest who would or where i could find someone to look after our dd, for example, from 2.30pm til 11.30 pm. I know it's a big ask, but i would appreciate any suggestions or if you are interested, please contact me! Thanks.

How old is your DD? Would you want someone to take care of her in your home, or in theirs?

And where are you located?

(I'm sure I won't be able to help, but this information would help people point you in the right direction.)

I think a childminder would be a good start, some do provide overnight care. Or, if your DD is older, you might be able to arrange a swap with another child?

If childcare at your home, then perhaps a college student could work. When I was at college (on a computing course), I remember often being home by 1pm! It won't be ideal but could be an option, if you can find a college student who seems reliable and responsible enough.

Combination of carers may also work, such as a childminder for say 2.30pm to 6pm, and a babysitter for 6pm to 11.30pm.

A part-time nanny could also work, as you would be wanting 27 hours per week.

Apart from the college student option above, the others I feel would want some long term commitment from you, rather than providing on an ad-hoc basis.

Just some ideas.

a nanny or an over night stay with a cm i would suggest as i dont know the age of your dd, but 11.30 is late to be picking up for your dd and cm.

If it is not a regular basis childcare u need then you need to find an emergency childcarer for short notice.
U could look at the www.emergencychildcare.co.uk website as that states who is in your area and when they are available etc - tho it is more expensive.
You could ring around your local childminders and see if they were willing to help every now and then but it would be only on the condition they had enough space.They wouldnt be able to hold that space for you unless u paid a weekly retainer.

Thanks for your responses. My dd is 2 years old and i live in north london. I didn't realise cm had overnight stays as a possibility, so that is encouraging and i've looked at the emergency childcare website and that has been very useful.Thanks again!

try local childcare information service too, they may have someone listed for overnights who may be cheaper than emergency care.

im a CM and i do overnights!, but no where near you sadly!.good luck!

whereabouts in North London are you?

CAT me if you like.

I am a registered childminder and can provide overnight care if you are interested.