Back-up Childminders?

[BettyBoo246]

Is there such a thing? My dd is starting 2 days a week with local childminder and 2 day’s with my parents. My parents have quite a few holidays in a year and my childminder has said she is fully booked the rest of the days to cover for emergencies etc..

Can I register with another childminder on a just in case basis and then only use them for when parents are away or sick etc?

You might find one willing but I. My experience you need to pay for the place regardless to secure it they won't just take kids on adhoc basis. It would limit then from offering the place to another child so losing income.

I have a back up childminder. She isnt really full time, just does before and after school but happy to have my DD odd days here and there. I have to pay her for 1 day a month whether I use it or not (I always use it, even if I just spend the day running errands). I found her on childcare.co.uk

Childminders do offer ad hoc spaces, so you could sign up with another childminder for when your parents are away, but it is no guarantee they will have a space on the days you want and please note they will not save you the space just in case you need it so may find you have no childcare anyway. Why can your childminder not offer you the extra days under continuity of care? They are allowed to go up to 4 under 3s in these cases so long as they do not exceed 6 under 8 in ratios.

Why can your childminder not offer you the extra days under continuity of care? They are allowed to go up to 4 under 3s in these cases so long as they do not exceed 6 under 8 in ratios

Maybe because they don’t want to or because logistics make it impossible to offer this. If she has three young toddlers already and has a long school run, to add another slow walker might make the school run impossible. There are some days where there is no way I’d take on a forth child regardless of continuity of care.

I don’t think you’d find another cm who would reserve you a place unless you were willing to pay for it. I think your best idea is to start with your cm and then when you need extra care, ask if she has availability (things change, she may have a space/another child may be on holiday or something) or if she can recommend another cm who has a space. I know lots of cms and can often point parents in the right direction for covering my holidays etc.

It maybe worth asking your cm if she networks with any others so your little one knows them well and if any of them might step in if your are stuck in an emergency. I do this with 3 other minders on ad hoc contracts.