Which would you choose

[lancslass17]

Current childcare arrangements are
M, W, F nursery, Tues grandparents, Thursday me (I work 4 days)

When Ds starts school in September would you

1 continue with above arrangement replacing nursery with breakfast club/childminder

2, change my hours so work 5 days but finish in time for pick up on 3 days, grandparents 1 day would still need club for 1 day. Breakfast club would still be required 4 days.

Would be lovely to keep a day off but realistically there's a lot to be said for being at pick up and available for reading, after school clubs, playdates, reconnecting after a tiring day etc.

I’d stick with your current arrangement; I think there’s a real benefit to having one whole day a week when you can get on top of stuff and spend some proper time with your child after school as opposed to rushing to get back for the school run 5 days a week and then playing catch up on the weekend.

2

I'd definitely do one.

Having a day when you're available to go to stuff at school will be really valuable. Also presumably will work better in the school holidays.

I'd only consider doing two if you currently work very late. If you're home for bedtime then do 1.

Thanks all it's like reading the inside of my head!

I have done both and find 1 less stressful.
With 2 (I do this at the moment) I find the time not that "quality" and my work isn't always compatible with a shorter day.

I am changing jobs and will go back to full days with DC in childcare (but only 3 days), with 2 DC I am thinking about an after school nanny so at least they will be at home.

What will you do in school holidays and training days? One day off a week saves you money

Yes but cost more during term time for after school care 🤔

Anyone else any more input or bright ideas? Ta

You may have trouble finding childcare for 1 day a week in school jolidays check out what's available and if your child will be able to attend and like it before you commit

It wouldn't be one day a week in school holidays it would be 3 days a a week same as after school care if I stayed as we are or 4 days if I move to 5 short days

But if you move to 4 short days so don't need school wrap around you might have issues with childminders as they will take existing school pick ups in preference to a new child for just the holidays....unless your area is unusual.

Ah see what you mean