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Original poster

Your childcare solutions if schools close again?

89 replies

forinborin · 19/12/2021 21:26

Need thoughts please.

I am really panicking now about whether to hire a nanny from January in the light of a possible lockdown and schools closing. Starting a new project in a senior role from the beginning of Jan, will need to be switched on all the time - absolutely no chance it can be done with small children to be homeschooled and entertained in parallel if the school closes. With Christmas and new year, there's barely any time to find anyone. I lost my job before due to childcare responsibilities when schools closed in 2020, so a thought of something similar happening again just causes a panic attack.

If I hire someone though, it will be net negative to me (in terms of the cash flow), so probably will have to let go immediately once schools reopen (which also doesn't sound very fair).

What would you do?

OP posts:
HandlebarLadyTash · 19/12/2021 22:02

Classed as key worker but school requested parents not to send kids in unless absolutely necessary. I used to get stressed when I saw kids walking past the house to school & I knew they had non working parents at home.

NoSquirrels · 19/12/2021 22:03

You’re not a failure. You’re going to come up with a solution but you’re just flagging the current uncertainty as an issue and looking to open a dialogue about how best to approach a temporary set-back if a Plan B is needed.

VikingOnTheFridge · 19/12/2021 22:04

Sounds like a nightmare.

If schools close, I think it would be localised ad hoc closures cos of staff rather than a national one again, as that would be politically suicidal for Johnson. However, if we did have a repeat of last January, like you my DC would be considered unworthy of a school place. I would be using informal networks of friends and relatives, and chipping in myself too. I work part time though which makes it easier.

AlexandraEiffel · 19/12/2021 22:06

I let mine entertain themselves on video games, tv, YouTube last lockdown. I couldn't work and homeschool. They loved it and were pretty good at entertaining themselves. (They did also do some reading, go outside, and a couple of other things I forget now but once they knew if they did those they could spend the rest of the time doing what they wanted they were very self motivated). I've not seen any impact on their education and they look back on lockdown with fondness as a result. If the schools close (big if) given the speed of the wave it's likely to be a shorter time.

Frazzled2207 · 19/12/2021 22:08

Brexit makes it almost impossible to get au pairs

Workyticket · 19/12/2021 22:09

We kept ds home for each lock down last year.

We're both teachers and ds definitely got the short end of the straw attention wise. He's an only child too.

However he managed and definitely hasn't been harmed by it and when asked says he enjoyed being at home.

We're unsure what we'd do if it happens again - take up a key worker space teach online without guilt or keep him home? Hmm hopefully we won't need to decide

Me and dh are both hoping to keep teaching in person

BungleandGeorge · 19/12/2021 22:10

How old are your children? What are your plans for before/ after school when it’s open? If you use a childminder would they be able to take them the whole day is school shut? Some childminders had extra spaces around here as some parents wanted to keep their kids off during the 2nd lockdown. Or do you have any friends with kids at the school that could have them?

Serendipity79 · 19/12/2021 22:11

Last Jan/Feb school closure nearly broke me. I'm a single parent, no help and work full time although luckily from home. My kids are in year 1, 3 and 11.

I'm dreading school closures, I think they will do their best to avoid them but if anything they may close through lack of staff because of illness.

I don't have any childcare options though - I'll do what i did last time, start work at 5am, get the kids on their online learning through the day and finish work at 10pm. Then cry in relief when they go back :(

gogohm · 19/12/2021 22:11

If things get shut there will be people furloughed, hopefully someone suitable to look after your kids

Original poster
forinborin · 19/12/2021 22:11

@AlexandraEiffel

I let mine entertain themselves on video games, tv, YouTube last lockdown. I couldn't work and homeschool. They loved it and were pretty good at entertaining themselves. (They did also do some reading, go outside, and a couple of other things I forget now but once they knew if they did those they could spend the rest of the time doing what they wanted they were very self motivated). I've not seen any impact on their education and they look back on lockdown with fondness as a result. If the schools close (big if) given the speed of the wave it's likely to be a shorter time.
You're right, it is likely to be for shorter time this time round. Mine are not at the age where they can be left unsupervised (young side of primary). But yes, TV for a few weeks hasn't killed anyone yet.

Thank you, a dose of rationality helps.

OP posts:
Original poster
forinborin · 19/12/2021 22:13

@BungleandGeorge

How old are your children? What are your plans for before/ after school when it’s open? If you use a childminder would they be able to take them the whole day is school shut? Some childminders had extra spaces around here as some parents wanted to keep their kids off during the 2nd lockdown. Or do you have any friends with kids at the school that could have them?
Both KS1. I usually use before /after school club, all local childminders are full. No friends that could extend such a massive favour unfortunately.
OP posts:
Original poster
forinborin · 19/12/2021 22:16

@Serendipity79

Last Jan/Feb school closure nearly broke me. I'm a single parent, no help and work full time although luckily from home. My kids are in year 1, 3 and 11.

I'm dreading school closures, I think they will do their best to avoid them but if anything they may close through lack of staff because of illness.

I don't have any childcare options though - I'll do what i did last time, start work at 5am, get the kids on their online learning through the day and finish work at 10pm. Then cry in relief when they go back :(

Yes, that's what I did through the second lockdown as well, lived more or less on same timetable (starting at 6 am, finishing at midnight). I don't think it will be an option with the new job, it is one of those where you need to have presence through the day.
OP posts:
AchillesLastStand · 19/12/2021 22:16

I honestly don’t think they’ll close the schools this time round. I think hospitality, cinemas and theatres and maybe gyms will close and non- essential shops, hairdressers and schools will remain open.

I think that will be enough to have an impact on case numbers and the government doesn’t have to worry about financially supporting shops or working parents with young children. It will be lockdown lite rebranded as something else that doesn’t use the word ‘lockdown’!

1AngelicFruitCake · 19/12/2021 22:17

@Quornflakegirl

First lockdown I kept them home despite being key workers and I struggled, it was a nightmare. Second I sent them in 3 days a weeks, again, we’re key workers. If there is a 3rd I will send them in 5 days a week and not feel one ounce of guilt.
I agree. We did everything to help both lockdowns and kept them at home but I’d never do it again when there were key workers on mat leave 😮 key workers who’d left their job but didn’t tell the school etc.
BungleandGeorge · 19/12/2021 22:19

If you live in an urban area I think you could find someone temporarily- either nanny, childminder or even a TA as I believe some weren’t given their normal hours during lockdown as they’re not always on fixed contracts. Looking after two KS1 children is probably reasonably attractive as they will be more independent than little ones

HaaaaaveyoumetTed · 19/12/2021 22:19

I would. As long as you're upfront I can't see it being an issue. Maybe look at nanny agencies, they may have 2 or 3 nanny's looking to pick up an extra day or 2 a week.

Mimosa1 · 19/12/2021 22:19

Oh OP, that's is so stressful. Is it an option to move your parents in for a few weeks if it happens? Mine moved in with me during the last lockdown and it was a huge, huge favour they did me but I realise it's not an option for most.

Most people at your new job will be in a similar boat of school's close so I hope they'll be understanding and I'm keeping my fingers crossed your find some decent help. I think single parents should have had the option to send their kids in during the last lockdown.

NoSquirrels · 19/12/2021 22:20

I’d make a plan for yourself, primarily.

If schools close in January I will

  1. Speak to client ASAP about a week’s grace to get plans in place
  2. Look for a babysitter who’ll come to the house for X hours per day (10-3?)
  3. Start work early & work late
  4. Set a schedule with kids e.g. grab breakfast & watch TV while Mum works till X time, hour spent with Mum, babysitter arrives, 3pm hour with Mum, 4-6pm more TV etc.

Just having a plan helps the panic

Original poster
forinborin · 19/12/2021 22:21

@Mimosa1

Oh OP, that's is so stressful. Is it an option to move your parents in for a few weeks if it happens? Mine moved in with me during the last lockdown and it was a huge, huge favour they did me but I realise it's not an option for most.

Most people at your new job will be in a similar boat of school's close so I hope they'll be understanding and I'm keeping my fingers crossed your find some decent help. I think single parents should have had the option to send their kids in during the last lockdown.

My parents live abroad unfortunately, for them to come it is a separate project starting with visa applications etc.
OP posts:
Original poster
forinborin · 19/12/2021 22:23

@BungleandGeorge

If you live in an urban area I think you could find someone temporarily- either nanny, childminder or even a TA as I believe some weren’t given their normal hours during lockdown as they’re not always on fixed contracts. Looking after two KS1 children is probably reasonably attractive as they will be more independent than little ones
Actually yes, school TAs might be an option if they are underutilised in the case of closure.
OP posts:
babycornforall · 19/12/2021 22:23

Op I feel your pain.

I am a teacher and if my school shuts, dd's will be shut. Guess I would get her into a 'key worker' hub... ugh!

TappThatJazz · 19/12/2021 22:23

With the amount of people who sent their kids into school the past few lockdowns (including 'essential workers' who could wfh who should have kept their kids at home but were too lazy to as their work was far roo important) I reckon you'll be OK. You either get to send them to school or you don't, and they don't do any structured learning for a few weeks. They're KS1. It won't be the end of the world. You'll do what you can, when you can.

Original poster
forinborin · 19/12/2021 22:25

@NoSquirrels

I’d make a plan for yourself, primarily.

If schools close in January I will

  1. Speak to client ASAP about a week’s grace to get plans in place
  2. Look for a babysitter who’ll come to the house for X hours per day (10-3?)
  3. Start work early & work late
  4. Set a schedule with kids e.g. grab breakfast & watch TV while Mum works till X time, hour spent with Mum, babysitter arrives, 3pm hour with Mum, 4-6pm more TV etc.

Just having a plan helps the panic

This is gold. Thank you - all very rational and I am starting to calm down.
OP posts:
BitterTits · 19/12/2021 22:30

You definitely need the deadbeat father to step up and at least pay his share of childcare. East to say, I know.

BitterTits · 19/12/2021 22:30

*easy

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