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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

shiftworkers and childminders

13 replies

meebles · 12/01/2009 13:05

I would be interested to know how any childminders approach providing places for children of people who work irregular shifts.

I am intending to return to nursing, doing 2-3 shifts per week, but these won't ever be on a set day. I don't want to have to book a full-time place though to cover all possibilities, as I won't be able to pay for this from part-time wages.

How does anyone make this work?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

dmo · 12/01/2009 13:12

its hard for shift workers feel sorry for you re different hrs different days

my parents on shift work agree to pay for x amount of hrs

MissyMay · 12/01/2009 15:32

I think it all depends on the CM, what other commitments they have etc. One option is to find a colleague who does the opposite shift to you and share a Cm? X

twinklytoes · 12/01/2009 21:58

meebles - am yet to find a cm that will offer a service for shift workers. I struggled so much when I went back - it only got better with promotion and a 9-5 role. You could try a flexible working application for a set roster - you might be lucky (but you will need to make the case of the benefits for your team not that you can only get childcare on mon, wed, fri). Also find out what other mums have got - that sets a precedence for your application. I offer set shifts across my team but not just for childcare, also slimming world, karate and church.

the nhs has its own wing of the childrens info service - do you receive the family matters mag each month? they are pretty good at locating cms that are flexible and won't cost the earth. Ours also offers return to work sessions which explores this, as well as benefits, childcare vouchers. Check with your HR to see whats on offer.

Assuming you have DP/DH then you'll find that you will need them to do some of the childcare - with all our employees in shift work, you usually find that the childcare is split.

dmo · 13/01/2009 13:04

just sorted a shift worker for my friend so we dont have to charge her for a full time place.
what we did was my friend was able to offer a place mon and fri only as the other 3 days she has 3 under 5's so we requested a varation form for the other 3 days so this means on some days my friend will have 4 but not all the time because of shifts so now she can offer a full time oplace to the child and not be down on hrs/money and the parent can be flexible for work

SammyK · 13/01/2009 15:44

I take it you have a baby you will be needing cm for rather than an older child?

I have provided shift workers with cm spaces, but allof the families have had older dcs, so not had to worry about them taking up a FT space.

I think your best bet is to call and ask around, some cms might want a PT baby mindee, rather than FT. Does the place you workat have any resources in terms of finding childcare for you? Your HR department may be able to recommend someone.

kkey21 · 13/01/2009 17:49

I only registered for two children so therefore only have two spaces but choose to work part time so in this situation i would charge you a higher hourly rate to cover the fact the days/hours would change rather than a retainer.

I would always charge a minimum of say 'X' hours and any additional would be added.

This kind of set up would really appeal to me as i like the change in days.

Where abouts are you as someone here may be able to help? x

Original poster

meebles · 13/01/2009 21:31

Thanks for all your replies. I've been making some local enquiries, and the situation is looking bleak! I think I'm going to have to use the nursery instead (although I would prefer a CM) as they are the only option. They are supposed to cover your shifts - but only if you know them far enough in advance which is now causing me headaches.

Twinkletoes - the flexible working application is a good idea, but one that I'll have to save for next time, as this is a new job (jacked in the old one at the end of OML). I'm not brave enough to try and negotiate a set roster in a new trust, especially when they made such a deal about rotating to nights at the interview.

It really would be easier and cheaper to stay at home!

OP posts:

MissyMay · 13/01/2009 21:36

Meebles where in the country are you? I know a few CM's that would do this sort of thing.

kkey21 · 13/01/2009 22:25

I'm in Herts so if you are local do let me know...

Original poster

meebles · 13/01/2009 22:51

I'm in Hants...but thanks!

OP posts:

kkey21 · 14/01/2009 10:43

I definately think there will be someone that would be more than happy to do the same in your area..... It sounds ideal for someone that like me only chooses to have one/two children to mind.

Best of luck to you. x

MissyMay · 14/01/2009 14:40

I'm in Sunbury but it looks like there are others that may offer this, its probably going to be laborious but try ringing some and ask, worst they can say is no! x

dmo · 16/01/2009 09:56

if you do choose a nursery instead would you not have to pay for a full time place there?

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