What are my options? I need ideas...

[catsatonthemat]

I am considering going back to university to study a subject that will require four placements over 1 years ( 1 X 4 weeks, 3 X 8 weeks). I would need after school child care and holiday cover. But I wouldn't need it all the time during the studying part of the degree but l would need alot of help during the placements as I may be away during the week and my husband works full time. We have hardly any childminders locally and all currently full. This wouldn't be until next year anyway....

Can I employ a part time ad-hoc nanny who would be able to step up during busier times? I have family but they wouldn't want to help much, if at all.

What are my options?

Nanny is possible but I think other options are better.

Not any kind of kids club at your child's school, or at other schools in the area?
School age means usually you could find a childminder who could squeeze another one in, but I think you would need a childminder working your school.

Doesn't your husband get 4 weeks holiday a year? Could he not use at least a week of that? What happens at school age is you end up with patchwork of childcare options. Oh, and some nurseries will take kids up to 8yo in holidays.

Needing childcare in summer can be a help since many childminders get some temporary spaces, then.