My 4y/o will be in school from 7:30 till around 6pm

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I’ve just been offered a new job, i assumed it was 9-5 because online it says the office closes at 5pm. I had 3 interviews and at stupidly I never asked to double check.

Once I got contract to sign it said the hours were 9-6 or I can work 8-5 4 days a week. Fridays are a late start and early finish which is great. After school club finishes at 6pm so my only option is 8-5.

breakfast club opens at 7:30am and I don’t drive so unless I get taxis to work I need to get the bus for 6:40am. My sister lives round the corner and has offered to pick my son up at 6:30 and take him to breakfast club for 7:30am.

My son needs a little time to wake up in the morning before I get him dressed so I’d need to be waking him up at 5:30am.

5:30am - 6pm seems like such a long day for someone in reception but I don’t have much choice, it’s been a struggle to find a job let alone one that’s strictly 9-5 and no weekends.

I feel incredibly guilty, is there any other single mums that had to have a routine like this? Did you see any changes in your child’s behaviour? Anything you found that helps?

Thank you

Not a medical reason I’ve just not had the money or childcare to be able to do lessons

I think you can start like this but it’s unfortunate this has come as the days are getting shorter. I would keep looking for a nanny or childminder who might do the morning and/or evening hours that would work best for you.

It might even be that a school mum who also has an after school club child is able to pick him up and so you can collect him on your way back home.

Hopefully this is just a very short term solution.

The nursery still has naps, schools don't so if she's at reception that's a really different situation.

The morning/after school club give the children proper meals and it’s not a massive class, im not worried about how he will be looked after. i more so just wanted some insight from people that have had to do this/tips from them :)

There’s no back up when it comes to sick days and you’re a single mum, doesn’t really matter what the hours are haha

Good point I can ask my sister give it a try! She has to get ready for work herself so will have to see if she can manage it

How long will it take to collect your child from school of they are sick?

Well, most people don't do this, because it's extreme. Of course you'd push through it, and of course your child would be pushed through it too. But does it absolutely need to happen?

Would it be any use for us to game out other things you could do? Or benefits you might be entitled to?

I've been in the situation where you have to make a radical career change, and it is so easy to get blinkered and start thinking there's only one option out there.

He’s already in the breakfast/after school club because I’ve been working for the past 2 years. I just tend to pick him up a lot earlier

I’ve been on the job search for 3 months, if there were better options i definitely would’ve taken them! But I’m the only person paying my bills and struggling to do so, so it does need to happen unfortunately

Sorry I agree. I couldn't do it.

20 minutes If I got a taxi, which I would for emergencies

Youd have to ensure he was asleep (not in bed) by 6:30 for him to get the minimum required number of hours sleep for a child his age, which wouldn't be doable if you're collecting at 6.

Lots of people will tell you they do the same as what you're proposing but from someone who has worked in sleep clinics and spent a long time studying sleep, I can tell you that your son will suffer with this routine.

Could you take this job and keep on looking? 3 months is nothing in terms of a job search. Obviously you are very employable or they wouldn't have snapped you up - but there must be other things out there.

Honestly it won’t work, you’ll both be knackered and unhappy. I say this as a single mum who has to work. It took me a while but I’ve had three office jobs that all let me know flexible hours within school times so 9.15-2:45. They are out there!

I would recommend an after school nanny or nanny share in your position

That let me work flexible hours that should say!

Universal credit pay up to 85% of around £646 (give or take) of childcare payments. There’s not many individual ones that are less than that a month near me & free options I assume you mean family or friends?

Ita actually £950.92 now.

If I did that I’d still need to pay for breakfast club in the morning (which isn’t at his school it’s at a private nursery) and then pay a private childminders and possible travel further to pick him up. Would be more hassle than having him in the same place

I don't think I could cope with getting up at 5.30 to be out of the house until after 6 each day. I don't think it will work for a 4 year old. Unless there really is no other choice I wouldn't do it.

Yeah I’m expecting him to be tired pretty early. You’re all troopers though

There isn’t any choice no

If your sisters having him for an hour before breakfast club, could she pick him up in his pajamas and get him dressed at her house? Or stay at your house with him for that hour, so he can get dressed and eat breakfast after you've gone?

Sounds unsustainable to me in many ways, have you checked if you are entitled to any help with childcare costs? Have you tried agency work?