Summer holiday childminder

[Blankiefan]

We're a year away from needing a solution to this but we're trying to get our heads around managing summer holidays. Dd starts this year so will stay in nursery til then- it'll be next summer.

We're thinking that DH and I will each take 2 weeks. One week together and the other each on our own. That leaves us with 3 weeks It seems harsh to send a 5yo to holiday clubs for 2-3 weeks (GPs might do a week). I prefer the idea of a chidminder but would I be likely to get 2-3 weeks like this? I don't think I can phone a round the check as it's a year away and people won't know so thought I'd ask opinions here. Do childminders tend to have this type of availability to people who don't otherwise use them (we've got term time wraparound sorted).

I’d do it if I have space but actually I’d prefer it (and be able to accommodate more easily) if you asked me for two days a week for the whole holiday.

So say you took all the Mondays off, dh Tuesdays, cm Wednesdays and Thursday and GPs Fridays.

In all honesty I think finding a childminder that will agree to take on a child for just a few weeks will be quite hard, but you never know. Some nurseries occasionally offer summer time care. I think you really need to just call and ask around and asap. Good luck.

I have quite a few children who only come during term time so have a couple of children on my books who come and hoc in the holiday and know a few other childminders who work like this. The only downside would be it's not guaranteed (at least that's how I work as I will fit in people where possible but prefer to have less children and take Fridays off to be with my family). I send out availability to any parents who have used me in the past for holiday care a month or so before and it's first come first served. I do charge a slightly higher rate but for younger children especially it's nice not to be in kids club for long days and they have a more relaxed home atmosphere and can enjoy days out etc.id get in touch with all the local childminders and just ask if they offer holiday only care.

I take children in the school holidays who just book what they need. It's a pay on booking service and I've taken bookings for next summer already.

Lots of childminders would do this typically ring and book with a terms notice once you have a potential minder sorted. I think splitting weeks would be a better idea if possible because your lo would find it easier to mix with the others and its a nice break for them. We do outings most days some free places like country parks and pond dipping some to farms cinemas and play centres I have some children who come especially for this and fit around what I have planned.

You will need to ring round your local childminders and see. Some will do holiday childcare and some won't or will be fully booked.

It's worth contacting some childminders. I have term time only contracts so am able to offer days in the holidays. You will probably find there are a few minders in your area who are the same

I wouldn’t phone anyone yet. You will need to wait till next year, nearer to when you actually need the care. Any number of things might happen before then, so finding someone who says yes now might mean nothing in 12months time.
I probably wouldn’t do this at the moment, I’m busy enough with my regular children that I don’t need to take extras in the holidays, but in different circumstances (eg struggling to get enough eyfs children) I might be more tempted to say yes.
Wait till nearer the time and then phone round a few minders and ask.