School holidays

[chickenmama]

I currently mind for three families. One child is just after school, 5 days a week. One is mornings only (drop to nursery), 5 days a week, and has an older sibling who mum would like me to have in the holidays. And I've just taken on 2 under 5s 3 full days a week.

All of the families would like me to look after their children in the holidays but I don't have the space in my car to take them anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions on ways round this, and how should I decide who to/not to mind?!

Yes, tricky one. Bigger car (rental or purchase), public transport... are either of those a possibility?

Do the part-timers all want you to care for the children full-time during the holidays? Or are some only wanting a few hours/few days?

I use a chart showing the spaces I have each day for each age-group to make sure I don't over book.

With older siblings, I have one on a termtime only contract and one who doesn't have a contract. So no space is reserved in holidays - they ask for the days they want and know I have to decine if I don't have space. When a school child joins, parent chooses full year place or term-time only. I don't do holiday only places as my holidays are all in school holidays. If they want care in the holidays they either have to book a full year place or take a chance each holiday, requesting the days/weeks they need on an ad-hoc basis. First come first served.

Quite often now I've too many children to get in the car. But with naps and odd collection/pick up times its hard to fit in a decent outing anyway. I'm lucky I've several parks/open spaces within walking distance so cricket/football/frisbee etc is part of our daily routine in holidays.

Two children (one with me usually, one school age) 9-3 Mon to Fri; Two children 8-6 Tue-Thu (possibly Mon and Fri too); One child various hours depending on parents work schedule.

I was thinking I might have to look into a people carrier. At the moment my dd (almost 2) is in the front and I'm not too keen on that anyway. Can anyone recommend one that easily fits 2 forward facing seats and 4 high back booster seats?!

So ayla would it be fair to arrange holidays around the children with the longer hours / current contracts? eg the siblings I've just taken on and the child I have mornings only before I offer spaces to his older brother and my after school child?

We've just had a great 2 weeks going out and about with 3 children and I would like to do the same in future holidays. I could have all of the children if we just did the local area each day but I'd be a bit worried they might get bored.

Oh! And ayla, how does it work not having a contract for the older sibling? I didn't know we were allowed to do that and thought I'd have to draw up a one day one for a sick day tomorrow.