Childcare struggles

[carrotcakefan]

We had a place booked (or so I thought) for my daughter starting nursery in June this year, but due to staffing issues this looks unlikely now. There will most probably be a space in September.

So... have been frantically seeking another solution! No family nearby so that's not an option. I can't go back part-time as we will struggle financially.

Child-minders are full, other nurseries don't have a space until 2023!

Perhaps this is naivety on my behalf and I should have had her on the list for more than one nursery. I really don't know what to do now and its causing a lot of stress.

Does anyone have any ideas? Anything I'm not thinking of?

Thanks so much for any help in advance!

It all depends on what area you are in really.
Are you looking at childcare close to home or close to the office.
In my area the 3 nurseries near the house had waiting lists but the nursery across the road from my office had space.
Age can be a factor too- due to free hours 3-4 spaces are harder than 2-3. 1-2 spaces depend on staffing levels too.

Does your council have a list of childcare providers including childminders?

Thanks @Danikm151

My daughter will be 9 months when I go back to work. I have looked at the nursery by work, but they don't have a space. However, I could try childminders near work too. I've mostly been looking near by home address and its a nightmare.

Have been on the council list, thanks. Also signed up to childcare.co.uk.

People will change childcare providers between now and June. Get on a waiting list for anywhere near home, your work or DHs work that is acceptable.
It will be OK.

Hey 👋
What a nightmare for you. I use to be a nursery manager and things use to change weekly with people booking patterns and children leaving.

If you want your daughter to go to the first setting. I would be calling emailing them a few times a week, to see if there's any changes. You might be able to pick up a few days as they come available then build up. But the challenge is then settling her into two places, which can be hard.

If they confirmed your place, I wouldn't say you were native thinking that was it, you've got her space sorted.

Good luck getting it sorted

Thanks both- appreciate the advice. Fingers crossed!!

Good luck!

Can you wait until September to go back?

Loads of CM have changes in the summer when kids go back to school, older ones go to school etc. Our old CM always had spaces in September although it's harder with babies and ratios

Have nursery explained why they won't have the staff? It's not really acceptable that they've done this.

I suggest getting out on waiting lists if you're not already. Peoples circumstances change and a spot might come up - this is thankfully what happened to us.

A university student on holidays? My dd has done this in the past. Most students finish in late May and return in September so perfect timing wise.

@Wazzawoowoo

Can you wait until September to go back?

Loads of CM have changes in the summer when kids go back to school, older ones go to school etc. Our old CM always had spaces in September although it's harder with babies and ratios

Have nursery explained why they won't have the staff? It's not really acceptable that they've done this.

I’m Guessing the staffing issue in the nursery is due to a massive shortage in level 3 qualified nursery staff. (If the nursery is near where I live, this would be the reason). It’s really not the fault of the individual nursery. Staff are over worked and underpaid. I know many jobs feel this, but The early years Sector was not treated well through the pandemic. Most nursery staff I know are on minimum wage, with supervisors on little more due to underfunding from the funded hours. You can earn more working in Aldi and get far less hassle. Parents are always complaining that they are being charged for extras when they have been told by government they will get 30 free hours Without realising that these Hours are underfunded and many nurseries are struggling to break even. Covid and lockdowns meant reduced numbers in settings, Some nurseries were unable to claim Furlough For staff because of Funding income, so had to loose staff instead. These Staff are now lost to the industry Having found jobs elsewhere.
Unfortunately this has left nurseries with Few options. I know a nursery Locally who have had to give notice to some children as they can’t get the staff to cover the shifts. This was a Really well respected nursery, I’m generally not a nursery fan, but this was a good one, they lost a couple of staff, through no fault of their own (staff decided they wanted more money and have changed career) and They have been unable to recruit qualified replacements.

Unfortunately, cms are likely to be full until July/September when the children leave Ready to start school, so you might have more luck if you are able to delay your start date for a few weeks.

Temp nanny

June to aug

Status nursery sept

Yes you may be paying them more then nursery but it’s fir a few months not forever

Might find a neocon who will bring July and aug when usually at school

Is it a full time place you are after?
Have you asked the nursery about their availability?
If they had say 2 days available could you take them and take annual leave between you and your partner

My daughter is 4months old. 4 months I lived in my home having her grand father and my sister in law at home.

now m back to work. I take him to a day care that is near to my office but she is crying there . She can’t sleep there because of noisy environment. What should I do?

should I leave her at home at my sister in law?

or should I wait for her to get settled in day care?

is there any side effects of putting child in day care in this early age ?
in day care I can visit her every two hour

but if I left her in home I can’t visit home and I will be back home after 10 hours

@Ayesma I would start your own thread to get replies for your need

Hi, me and ex wife of 4 years, divorced, no custody agreement, 3 kids, 9, 13 and 16. I have to go away for work March 2023 for 3 weeks and have asked her, she is refusing to have the kids. Help. Advice pls

You need to create your own thread.

If it’s your time with the kids then it’s your responsibility.

Me and ex wife, divorced 4 years, 3 kids, 16,13, 9. No custody agreement. We have always had 50% each. Not amicable. I have to go away 3 weeks March 2023. I've asked her to have kids, she has refused. Help pls

Maybe an au pair, OP?
Can you use up accrued annual leave to give you more time off and delay her going into childcare?