Child care during nanny holiday

[Hadeda]

Our nanny is taking leave in the last 2 weeks of August. We've been looking at taking our family holiday then but prices are huge. So I'm trying to see what alternatives there are for her holiday.

First option is obviously for DH and I to take leave.

But what else is there? Do childminders take on children during the holidays? I don't think the nursery does, but wondered if a CM might be more flexible. I've looked on childcare.co.uk to find local CMs but wanted to see whether this was something CMs do before I make an idiot of myself phoning one!
Guess we could also hire a temp nanny but I'm keen to avoid another round of enormously expensive agency fees....

My DCs will be 2.5 and 1 at that time, both DDs.

You might be able to find a temp on Gumtree or Nannyjob? As long as you check their refs thoroughly etc it's not much different from a temp from an agency and you save lots of money on fees!

It's worth putting an ad on gumtree or nannyjob. Some teachers look to pick up a bit of extra work in the holidays.

I start a new nanny job (fingers crossed) in September that will be term time only and will be looking to pick up the odd extra job to make up the shortfall in my wages.

Hi Adeda
you should be able to find a childminder with vacancies for short term in school holidays.
Where abouts do you live ? I am a childminder and most years I advertise adhoc places in summer holidays.
I shall be looking to fill temp vacancies this summer or even be considering temp nanny work.
Dont suppose you would be in same area but its worth putting a message on saying what area you are in because I am sure someone either childminder or nanny in your area may be looking for summer work.

Some nurseries will take on children for 4 weeks - you can always call and ask.

Have you any family? Could the children go stay at nana's for the week?

When I am going on a/l my mb is either getting a nanny friend to have dc or putting dc into the nursery they attend mornings only into full time nursery care.

Agree you should be able to find a temp nanny yourself

on either nannyjob or netmums you can place your own ad as well as read cv's/ads on both sites

many nannys do extra work when their employers are away so possible to find a nanny for 2weeks

gumtree may also be an option

what area are you in?

At that age my DCs would have found it very hard to settle in temp childcare. FWIW, their idea of a great holiday until very recently was staying at home and having fun with mummy and daddy (until we took them to Centreparcs last year). I got special requests to this effect! They are now 5 and 7. I appreciate this may well not be your idea of a great holiday, but still.....

where are you? i'm looking for temp nanny work for over summer and can do those dates. also have exp with both ages. can u offer live in for this period? thanks

Thanks all for these replies. It's good to hear there are various options out there. I'll put an ad on gumtree and netmums.

Unfortunately family is the one option not open to us as our families live on another continent.... [very inconsiderate of them emoticon !]

We are in SW London, near Wimbledon. Tempnanny - we can't offer live in, but do let me know if you'd like to chat further.