Do childminders take babies for 'odd days'?

[happynappies]

I'm going back to work this week (p-t) and dh is going to be looking after our dd. He's just phoned to say that he's got a training course on one of the days I work at the end of February, and there are going to be another couple of days when he can't have the time off - perhaps about 5 days a year. I don't expect nurseries or childminders would be able to help me because of the sporadic nature of the days, and the small number. Any ideas on what I can do? I'm realising the limitations of our arrangement now, as these 'one off' situations are going to be quite stressful to manage.

For about 5 days per year you have holidays surely?

Its worth ringing around and asking. i used to do this for a friend of mine as she had about 5-6 meeting a year she needed to go to.

I'm a teacher so no, I can't take days off...

Some do. Worth asking around. You might get more luck from bigger CM's who club together or employ assistants as they may have more flexibility regarding numbers (may not).

I know someone who amde an agrangement like that with a childminder and I think she had to pay double for the ad hoc days.

Whereabouts are you happynappies? I'm in poole and I'm happy to do this sort of care.

I just charged my normal hourly fee.

I had this situation for a while. We signed up with a nursery who were happy to do random days, so long as we booked a month ahead. Worked well while DS was young, not so well when he got older and had separation anxiety - we work a long way from the nursery, so he was in for long days and I think would have coped better with a more regular routine, maybe a shorter day there more often.

If I had the space available then it is something that I would consider too.
No harm in asking around your local area (where are you?)

I recently did this with DS2 and 3 (4 and 7 months) had to attend a funeral in Bristol and at very short notice (3 days!) found someone who charged me normal price.

Thanks for the suggestions, and dustystar thanks for your offer - unfortunately I'm in Shropshire, but it is great to know that people might be willing to consider it. I know what you mean sleeplessinwales, I think it might be quite unsettling for dd - I'll ring around and see what I can find out... thanks again all

Its worth ringing local Registered Childminders. Some of us are happy to take ad-hoc bookings, if we have a place available. There is usually no guarantee of a place being available on the day you require. But at times a place may be available, such as when another child is on holiday or off sick or if the childminder happens to have an unfilled vacancy at the time.

Its not without its problems - it can be difficult for child to settle if there is a long time between childcare sessions and you don't normally see each other elsewhere. But for some I see regularly in playground, toddler groups etc it has worked well.

i dot his for a family who i already look after their elder(afterschool) daughter..i may have younger sis on friday, otherwise family have her for them.