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Original poster

Are term-time only nurseries for babies a thing?

36 replies

LisaSimpsonsbff · 28/04/2018 13:21

Sorry for potentially stupid question - FTM, seven months pregnant and starting to think more seriously about logistics. The plan is that I'll take six months leave, DH takes three and then he goes to nursery at 9 months. But DH is a teacher, so ideally we'd only have (and pay for) childcare for term-time. As far as I can see from looking online at local nurseries this is only an option for older children (3+) who can go to school-based nurseries - is that right? Am I hoping for something that doesn't exist and we just have to accept paying for care we don't need for 13 weeks of the year until he's older?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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jannier · 30/04/2018 14:09

Seeing as you have a long commute and want tto have you considered childminders? They work to the same standards as nurseries and are inspected by the same inspectors...Ofsted. They often have as high if not higher qualifications than nursery managers with a growing number having degrees and early years teacher status. often they work with co minders or assistants in what is more a home based nursery yet can cover unexpected delays like cancelled trains as they don't have to lock up and be off premises by 6pm. Also if you choose well you can be using them right through school and second babies.

Original poster
LisaSimpsonsbff · 30/04/2018 14:37

I have thought about a childminder, but am a bit wary because everything I've seen says to go by word of mouth recommendation and we know literally no one who we could ask for local recommendations - any thoughts on how to go about it? I'd be doing drop-off and DP (who walks to work) doing pick-up, so late pick-ups shouldn't be an issue.

OP posts:
LupinsNotBluebells · 30/04/2018 17:24

Lisa, I asked on our community Facebook page for childminder recommendations. Some mentioned CMs who were unsuitable (only do school age or fully booked) but we got some names to contact.

jannier · 30/04/2018 22:12

LisaSimpsonsbff.............most childminders will be able to give you references and you can look at their Ofsted reports. I ask parents to visit twice before making any decision the first time when I'm not working when we can chat about what is needed, what baby and you like and how I work the second to see me with mindees so you can see how they relate to me how relaxed comfortable and confident they are. All my parents are happy to talk to potential new families and often they are there at some point in this second meeting and are happy to take calls. I have a file of references and letters from families and their children.
Most parents say they get a good idea and a feeling when they fid a minder that they can work with. I always encourage parents to see several settings both childminders and nurseries and to come for as many visits as they need.

Caimum · 25/01/2022 11:07

I live near Chingford and Loughton, does anyone know any nurseries that offer term time day care only ? Long story short , it’s been a difficult journey to have my son. He’s now four months old and I need childcare and am finding no spaces available for months , I need it from September , and it’s extortionate down here cost wise . Would really appreciate any help , thanks

Caimum · 25/01/2022 11:58

I live near Chingford and Loughton, does anyone know any nurseries that offer term time day care only ? Long story short , it’s been a difficult journey to have my son. He’s now four months old and I need childcare and am finding no spaces available for months , I need it from September , and it’s extortionate down here cost wise . Would really appreciate any help , thanks

Tumbleweed101 · 25/01/2022 16:59

We offer both term time and all year for all our children, babies to preschool. We have quite a few teachers who use us for childcare and do term time only.

Caimum · 26/01/2022 08:14

Do you work near my area?

Caimum · 14/08/2022 20:53

My baby is due to start nursery when I go back to work , will be eleven months old. He hasn’t been left with anyone else before. The nursery is refusing to let me in to do a proper transition ie where I stay with him Initially and support him to have his care handed over to nursery staff. They are saying it’s because they still want Covid restrictions . I think this is not good practice and it will cause him distress. They mentioned I’ve little girl cried for a month before settling.
my son is my seventh , and only successful pregnancy , I don’t want him crying for a month and being flooded with stress hormones and thinking I will stop crying as Mum is basically leaving me here.
its seemingly a good nursery based on a visit to this and others . It’s also the one we can afford given sky high nursery costs where we live.
Do they have the right to do this given Covid restrictions are lifted nationally ?
I would do a Covid test, wear masks and gloves , I’ve never had Covid as I’m extremely careful and have limited family and friends circle who mainly live a distance away.

Really upset , I just want to do a proper supportive handover and see how they are with my son too.

ellesbellesxxx · 14/08/2022 20:57

@Caimum
I would start your own thread lovely as this is 4 years old and advice will be for the original op?
IME this seems extreme… and I would say that what you are suggesting is very fair

Caimum · 14/08/2022 21:12

Thank you ! I have no idea how to do technology

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