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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

No idea how to go about this - thought the CMs nannies and au pairs might have some suggestions

18 replies

DaphneHarvey · 17/04/2007 20:31

I might need occasional childcare for my DCs on a Saturday. I always work Saturday, my DH usually not. Its entirely unpredictable whether he does or not, but when he does need to work he usually gets at least 3 days notice.

So I need someone to look after my DD of 6 and DS of 3.6 on an ad hoc basis on Saturdays, in my house.

Where would I look for such help? Unfortunately can't ask family (too far away and too complicated, involving overnight stays etc).

I had in mind the idea that some au pairs and nannies with Saturdays off might like some extra cash for working, maybe 2 saturdays in 8, 1 in 6 or 1 in 4. Something like that.

The amount of or lack of work can't be guaranteed, either way!

Any pointers on how I might advertise such a vague-sounding job gratefully received. (or am I asking the impossible?)

OP posts:

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mogs0 · 17/04/2007 20:42

Depending on where you are, it may be worth having 2 or 3 aupairs/cms/nannies as back-up as if you can only give 3 days notice I would imagine most people would have already made plans for the weekend.

Are there any Mums at your dc's school or nursery who may be available on a Saturday?

I'm sure someone will be along soon with better advice!!

princesscc · 17/04/2007 20:42

Can you phone your local Early Years team at the council? They might be able to help.

NurseyJo · 17/04/2007 20:49

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Message withdrawn

Original poster

DaphneHarvey · 17/04/2007 21:43

Oh, yes, some good ideas there.

I feel slightly odd about asking this sort of "favour".

Perhaps I should just advertise a "1 Saturday in 4" type job, and if I'm lucky enough to find such a person, pay them, whether I actually need them to work or not?

I don't want to take the michael.

OP posts:

nannynick · 17/04/2007 21:52

I did that sort of thing as a student, though perhaps I was not very typical of a student looking for Saturday jobs. But you may find someone for whom ad-hoc work would work.

Are you near any colleges? If you are, could be worth trying advertising there (try contacting students union, college recruitment agency, college library).

nannyj · 17/04/2007 22:48

It's the sort of thing i would consider, extra money is always useful . Maybe post an add on nannyjob.co.uk or in The Lady.It couldn't hurt to try. Good luck.

Original poster

DaphneHarvey · 17/04/2007 22:59

You're not in South London by any chance Nannyj?

OP posts:

nannyj · 17/04/2007 23:07

No sorry, Kensington.

NurseyJo · 17/04/2007 23:09

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Message withdrawn

nannyj · 17/04/2007 23:16

No its in West London, right near Chelsea

mogs0 · 17/04/2007 23:30

Hijack!!- I used to be a nanny in North Kensington!

KaySamuels · 18/04/2007 08:11

I do this with one of my mindees families, in their home every saturday, so childminders do sometimes do it. If there is a cm struggling to fill their vacancies for example they may appreciate the extra but sporadic cash.

College childcare students are also a good idea - ask for second year students as they will then have had a years placement experience, and ask for a reference from their tutor. The fact that it's not every saturday would probably appeal to a student, plus it's a day job so they still have their night free!

Or what about a childcare swap? If you know anyone who also has kids you could have hers the next saturday, free childcare for you both and friend would get a saturday off!

Just generally put the word out and like mogs said try and get two or three people on a list who you can phone.

ScottishThistle · 18/04/2007 09:22

I did an odd Saturday or Sunday position & one of my friends also does a Saturday once a month...You may have to pay well if you can only give 3 days notice however though there are lots of Nannies/Au Pairs looking for extra work/experience.

Nannyj, doesn't Kensington come under SW postcode?...I worked in Chelsea/Kensington & both came under SW postcode as far as I can remember?

ScottishThistle · 18/04/2007 09:23

DaphneHarvey, where in South London are you?

Original poster

DaphneHarvey · 18/04/2007 18:30

ScottishT - sorry, not been online all day. Am in East Dulwish (SE22). Do you know anyone?

Childminders round here are all generally very busy with waiting lists. They don't seem to want or need extra work tbh.

I can't offer to do the child swap thing with friends because I work every Saturday and although DH is good with our kids, am quite certain he would object to having 2 extras around, however infrequently that might be! LOL!

I could take it in my stride. He'd have steam coming out of his ears in 5 minutes!

OP posts:

ScottishThistle · 19/04/2007 09:24

DaphneHarvey I've put the word out but I think your a bit far out for most girls I know, I'll let you know if I hear of anyone.

I think your best bet would be advertising in local college/nannyjob website/shop/supermarket tbh.

moogmum · 19/04/2007 17:48

Am near you DaphneHarvey and suggest you try www.simplychildcare.com - lots of nannies and childminders in South London use it as a source of work and there are some ads asking for unusual patterns of childcare like the one you're looking for. You might find someone it really suits.

martini · 20/04/2007 00:50

I would try Gumtree. There are literally loads of au pairs, students etc looking for childcare work and they are happy to work all kinds of odd hours.

I'm sure you'd find an au pair who was interested and would have references from a UK employer.

Obviously you'd need to check out their references and documents properly to make sure that they were suitable and that employing them would be legal.

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