Child care around shift patterns

[Jo2881]

Hi there, our little one is due in June, however I've been advised to start looking for child are as this time next year I intend to return to work! However my other half is a paramedic ( he works 4 on 4 off) which makes him almost an ideal baby sitter!

Does any one know if nurseries operate around shift patterns? My work is also business dependant but I know when the busy times are and am generally 9-5!

I just don't want to be paying out for child are when one of us is off and can look look after little one.

Any advice is great fully received and we live in the richmond / kingston area!

Thank you all in advance

Both my sons do this. One found a nursery willing to accommodate shifts. The other pays for two days regular and uses the other days as paid for extras. Mostly the nursery can accommodate the extra days, but GP step in when necessary. Of course it does mean sometimes pay for nursery days sometimes when not being used.

Also if you are able to find a nursery close to where shift working is normal the nurseries are more accommodating. Close to airports or factories for example.

It is very difficult because of shift changes and irregular days.

See if there is a hospital near you which has an onsite nursery. The onsite one at our big hospital is used to shift patterns and can be quite flexible.

Also not sure if you are working full time. My DiL is part time and NHS was accommodating regarding my son working "family friendly shifts" this means my son works every weekend plus a day eithe pr side. So that could be worth investigating.

Can I ask what area you live.

I am a childminder who I take children with shift patterns , however I do charge a minimum a week as it means the spare hours can't be filled...Not all C minders will do that but it works for me

I work shifts (emergency services also) and I found childminders far more flexible than nurseries. Maybe worth a look at?

Sorry just seen you are in Richmond not near enough to give you details of the nursery my son uses.

Dh and I both work shifts, we were lucky enough to find a nursery that accommodates shift workers. We give them the days and sessions we required four weeks in advance

Thankyou all so much for your replies, I would like to go back full time but it means only nursery possibly 1-2 days per week, I didn't think of child minders, it's just hard getting your head around all possibilities! We live quite close to a big hospital so they too might do care as you say.

I'm sure it will all work out, it's just finding that winning combination!

My husband is a fireman and works the same shifts as yours, 4 days on, 4 days off. I e-mailed all the nurseries in the area and a couple said they could do the 2 days we need a week but different days each week. We get his shifts a year in advance so plenty of warning. Going to see one tomorrow, dreading it! I don't want to go back to work and leave my pfb!
My main concern is that the ones that are willing to be flexible are the undersubscribed ones and in my part of sw London (streatham) that is rare so think they will probably be rubbish. It's right by the station too so really that should be a desirable nursery shouldn't it? Oh it's a quandary....
Will also contact some childminders as I think I would prefer this option.

Our nursery will operate sround shift patterns, they like to have 4 weeks notice of days required. Means that lots of the DC's friends' parents have exciting jobs! Several paramedics, fire fighters, police officers, cabin crew, doctors.

(yorkshire)