Work/Holidays

[Redruby2020]

Just interested to know what single mums do during term time and holidays, in regards to childcare.
For example during the holidays, which are a lot, aside from what you can book off.
My DC's school does holiday club but not a full day.
So again this is where I see a fault in the system, because you can't work 9-5 for example generally, then in the holidays use the club which starts from 10 onwards and finishes at 2/3pm.
So this is where I am at a loss as to what to do.

Also with a view to looking at something new part time, what kind of well paid jobs are there, or to do from home, as some I have seen, seem to be more aimed at earning a little extra on top of something else you might be doing. Which would not be the case for me.

When I was younger, my mum would find places for me to go.
One year I remember going on Choir Trip for a week, then the next week going on Scout Camp. I would guess I was around age 12 at the time.

In my late teens, I remember doing childcare for a local family during school Summer holidays. So finding a student who you trust to care for your children whilst you work. As a nanny I have had jobs in the past which have been term-time only, so I was available to do school holiday work for other families. So perhaps advertise on sites like ChildcareCoUk for a school holiday nanny, if it is cost effective. It's going to be cheap but it may be more practical than holiday clubs that only run from 10am-3pm!

I'm not a single mum, but my DH works very long hours and works nights away frequently, so childcare is generally my responsibility mon-fri and during school holidays etc. As a result of always struggling with childcare, I got a hybrid flexible hours job in the charity sector. Not the best pay, but better than minimum wage, with lots of perks and better holiday allowance than most other jobs I've had.

I've found the vast majority of my colleagues in this sector have jobs that allow them to work either hybrid, on field or WFH with a flexible hours approach - from lower level staff right up to senior. Perhaps have a look into this sector as an option, depending on what your skills/interests and abilities are.

Some friends of mine do freelance jobs which also allows flexibility - but again, would depend on your skills etc.

Before getting a more flexible job, I used to rely on a mix of family/friends/childminders to make up the extra hours that no holiday clubs etc were available. Is this an option?

Single mum. Don't drive. There is one holiday club in walking distance which is open early til 6 so i use that.

Ask other parents about alternative holiday clubs. With those hours, yours sounds more like activity days. Our local holiday clubs are open 8am to 6pm precisely to help working parents.

Yes true, I mean it is still nice to have it rather than nothing.
Yes there is one that does a full day lol sorry at £170 for the week.
Plus I would need to know clearly what would be covered under that, in terms of fees paid for. That is two buses away so I wouldn't even consider it.

Again a childminder could be an option but never had to look for one. And again it would depend on what I would get back.
It is really hard the holiday situation.

£170 per week is £34 per day or £3.40 per hour. Seems very good value for childcare. Often they include outings and activities too. You can use Tax Free Childcare for registered holiday clubs too which would cut the cost.

Family/friends? Not a single mum but partner works long hours in the city (of course not a comparison but in terms of childcare Mon–Fri it’s all on me). We’re asking Nanny to take DS (3.5yo) for a 3/4 days overnight as we need cover over Easter. I also used to spend time at friends houses over the summer when I was a bit older. Partner used to go to his aunt’s for two weeks every summer as a ‘holiday’.

£175/wk sounds about right. We are £40 a day which includes breakfast and an afternoon snack, plus activities which have included swimming, trips to local zoos/activity parks/museums, paint-ball, silent disco, animal petting as well as baking, sports day, crafts etc.

As a working parent, DD attends holiday club for at least 3 weeks of the summer holiday. Unless you have a term time working contract, needs must.

When you say we do you mean there are two of you.
Yes the 3 weeks in the summer is all good, then you still have to take off the rest, and then you don't have much holiday time left to book off during the rest of the year, with all the other holidays that school has 🤷🏻‍♀️
Clubs don't cover it all.
And then there is the expense which is well known now, that UC do not cover as much as was said initially.

Unless you get a term time only job, you just have to suck it up until kids can be left alone. They may make friends at school and you can perhaps have a parent mind them for a day in return for you having theirs one day you’re off or at a weekend. If not, a childminder may or may not be cheaper than a holiday club.

I’d probably look for a high paying job so you can afford the above or a term time only role, maybe in a school. It’ll be on a much lower salary but less of a headache with childcare and spending your money on that.

Theres no magic answer, sadly.

I pay £30 for 9/3. There are options for 8/6 for more money at a holiday club near us

That's £5ph for childcare. Cheap

A whole day is def less than £50 but never used it so not sure

Looks at things like mega camps and ask on local Fb group for holiday club recommendations

Thankyou.
I wasn't saying per hour etc it's not cheap.
For a day it's still expensive.
And again it's how much you have to pay yourself.
People can't get a full time job as the government so want, and in the holidays only have childcare to cover those hours.
There aren't friends or family to cover the gaps for all, and even if there are people around you can't rely on everyone.

Def not easy to work as a parent !

What do you do in term time between 3 and 5?
You can claim back tax free 20% with childminders or use any benefits like the UC of up to 80%.0

@jannier Hi, at the moment it's not an issue but will be even with Part Time hours.
UC have said in the past to use the wrap around care until 6pm.
All I see is full time workers who are couples using it, but none of my single parent friends.

And this care is great, if your school offers it, and until the holidays and then it's an issue.
As then it means going further from home to find somewhere that will cover the same hours.