I am FT worker and just discovered holiday clubs are not open 2 weeks in August!

[confusedperson]

My DS1 will finish pre-school in July and start Reception in September. I just made a horrific discovery, that none of holiday clubs around us operate during last two weeks of August! I could look for a childminder to take him for those two odd weeks, but is this going to be my nightmare during the next 10 years? (I have a 2yo as well).
If you in a similar situation, what do you do?

Take 2 weeks unpaid leave (parental leave) and run a holiday club - sounds like it could be a goldmine if there's really no provision for those two weeks in August

That's ridiculous! They certainly don't close down round this neck of teh woods. It kind of defeats the object of a holiday club if it closes for 2 weeks in August!!

If you're in South London, try to get hold of SW Families magazine as it usually carries oodles of listings for all sorts of activity camps, some of which will have an extended hours option. Yes, you will have to shell out, and yes it's worth finding out now how far work will flex should you have to fit round sub-optimal drop off and pick up times.

Also check the council websites (for your borough, the one where you work and neighbouring ones if they will include out-of-borough children) as council run ones are usually cheaper than commercial ventures.

I sympathise with you OP. Hope you find a solution.

A friend of mine has her DD at a private nursery in London, and they close for 2 weeks in August! I couldn't believe it when she told me. They still have to pay fees for that month though. Unbelievable.

Ring round all the local day nurseries to see if they will take him for the 2 weeks. (Mine does this)They will have spaces because the NEG will have finished for the term.
Or ring the local college and see if they do childcare courses. Most have a website for local temp jobs for students. (Mine does)
Or take 2 weeks unpaid leave or raid your savings and pay a childminder.

I just phoned school this morning, they said the school will start any day in September depending on the child's birthday, so mine will not start until 2nd half of September. Then they said "2 weeks until they settle and start full-time". That's not too bad compared with other schools but still makes end of August-September very vulnerable for us.
I will check on all suggested options. My current idea is to use DS2's nursery until DS1 actually starts school, and then combine my/DH's annual and parental leave, and the nursery said they will accept until term time, not sure about later though.

Another option is to look for a childcare student, which I will try.

If I had more money, I had found a childminder who is near the school and would have taken both DS1 and DS2, but unfortunately I absolutely cannot afford - it is much more expensive than a nursery/afterschool club.

By the way, I am in Croydon borough.

You're in south London? Have you looked at daycare nurseries? Some of the ones around me in south London take on children in the holidays. As your eldest is 4 years should be within the age range they usually do. Or you don't tell them. If they have vacancy then book them in immediately and then give the one month notice at the start of August.

All the day camps only go upto the 24th August don't they. It is a pain.