Shift workers and childcare

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Hi just wondering if people in similar situations can post how they make childcare work as we are looking at our options.
My daughter turns one in May and this is when I will go back to work. I work shifts for the NHS which includes days (8-16:30 or 8-18:30) or twilights (2-22:00 or 11:30-22:00) and also weekends, I used to work full time but hoping to do two long shifts which will be 21 hours and then work extra shifts here and there. I am going to ask for set shifts so maybe two shifts in the week for two weeks and then work two weekends. My partner works on a rolling rotation (both days and nights) so there is no set days/shifts and this isn't something he can be flexible with. He also has to work weekends!

How the hell do we make this work with childcare! I don't want to pay two days a week at nursery when some weeks me/and or my partner will be at home as it's sooo expensive but I would prefer her to go to nursery and not the childminders but finding a flexible nursery that opens earlier than 08:00 and local is proving hard work! I also don't want to have to work alternate weekends to my partner because we would never get weekends together which isn't ideal!! Family can help out on evenings and Saturdays but that's about it!
Wwyd? Thank you :)

First thing you need to do is speak to your manager about flexible working.

Second thing is reach out to people in your trust and find out what they do. Do you have a trust staff page or wellbeing hub you can contact? At a previous trust I worked at the trust reached out to local nurseries about making accommodations for NHS staff. Two nurseries agreed to open from 0645 and to allow for additional accommodations. In turn those two nurseries were recommended to staff, benefiting all parties involved.

@time4aNC yeah see that sounds ideal for nursery's close to hospitals where lots of staff rely! I work for a district nursing team so only a small team and nobody has babies, all in school so nobody really to ask. I'm going to arrange a meeting with my manager and see what we can come up with but never expected it to be this much of a challenge! Thank you for replying

I do a variety of day / night 8-35 hr shifts a 60 min commute from home. I am also a single mother to a just 2 yr old. You need to know your rota with a reasonable amount of notice. How far ahead do you get your off duty? Make sure you have a plan A/B and vague C (friend you would phone in a crisis?)
I have a nanny who starts at 0630, a non driving sister about 90 mins away, active and involved grandparents about 15 mins away, an obliging 15yr neighbour with sensible parents, and the telephone number of a local childcare worker. They are all involved in keeping the show on the road.
Even though you are community, hospital crèches often have earlier starts and will prioritise NHS workers. Also face the fact that you are unlikely to be able to do favours (but if you possibly can try to so you can continue banking goodwill).
Honestly, people manage. Good luck.

Both you and your husband should apply for a flexible working contracts. All companies have this policy and it is not just for mums! If you can agree 2 long days on the same days that he can agree shorter days then he can do the nursery drop off and pick ups . This should work. He can then be fully flexible for his other working days. I used to agree this for many of my staff in a healthcare setting.

Nights and the flexible working policy.

If you plan to work two set shifts then book those two days in nursery. You have option to send or not when your dp is off (although better to send and stick to routine imo) look at if you are entitled to any benefits like UC to help with childcare if not you will be entitled to the 20% tax relief.

Or you can see if any family can do it cheaper but less reliable. Although they may be more inclined to have dc when they are under weather.

Presumably the extra shifts you pick up will be known in advance so you can choose days when you know your dp is off?

I had a friend who worked in NHS she dropped to two 12 hour shifts. She did one on a Monday as her sister has Mondays off so could have dc. Her dh also worked shifts and was off every 3rd Monday. The other she did a night shift and caught up on sleep when dc napped /had a early night the next night.