Irregular childminding - is this a thing?

[Pistachiois50pmore]

Over the course of year, I'll be doing some work in a different town two hours away and will have my (pretty easygoing) 2 year old in tow. We can cover the mornings OK but I will need afternoon childcare.

I'll be in the other town for 2 days at a time, four times - so we're talking 8 3-hour slots over the course of a year. I can provide the dates now. I'd prefer DS to go to the same person each time.

A drop in creche would suffice - he's pretty easygoing - but these don't seem to be a thing outside big cities. (Because it's short term I'm not that fussed if he doesn't learn anything - a nice person to mind him with safe place to play is fine.)

Childminders usually want a regular commitment don't they - if I approach local childminders will they laugh in my face?

Does anyone have any tips about how to find someone?

You might have to try quite a few but there are definitely cms who would do this. The regular commitment is purely about sticking to ratios and there are some who don’t want to be full all the time or some who accommodate shift work. They may charge a higher hourly rate for the service but worth investigating.

I certainly wouldn't laugh in anyone's face but I wouldn't be able to accommodate that as I couldn't afford to leave a space open for you. I don't know many childminders that would. It's worth ringing a couple just to get a feel though.

Thanks for replying guys. Here's hoping!

One good thing is the dates are absolutely set in stone, so I'd be happy to pay upfront. I should say this when I email as hopefully it might swing it!

I wouldn’t mind having your son occasionally but wouldn’t commit to all 8 sessions this far in advance. If I was offered a full time child, of course your booking would have to go. Which is why I wouldn’t agree to it to start with, but I would say I could have him for any dates in The next few weeks because I know what vacancies I have for that time.

I would do it if it was on the right day as I have children part time and have 2 days a week that always have a space. I cant be the only one.