if you're both working parents, how do you manage school times

[arroh]

Hi,

We're both full time working parents and have one DC approaching school age. Currently we manage the nursery (8am-6pm) with one of us doing the early (drop-off) shift and the other doing the late (pick-up) shift.

However, I have absolutely no clue as to people manage the school times; what happens when you need to pick up your DC at 3.30? I don't think either of us can realistically work such flexible times due to the reasonably senior nature of our jobs.

People we know either have one parent working and the other caring for the DCs or a live-in nanny: neither of which are an option for us! Our own parents are either too far away or too infirm to help much.

What do you do? Nanny share? Flexi-time? After school clubs?

All hints and tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Oubliette0292]

Breakfast club (from 8am) then afterschool club (until 5.30pm). We tried an au pair, but it didn't work out. Plus the local childminders don't tend to pick up from our school (it is very uncommon for the kids there to have both parents working full-time).

While we are on the subject, can I just ask how everyone copes with teacher training days? So far we have alternated taking leave to look after our two, but we're really struggling with holiday allowance this year and the school have just announced an extra two teacher training days for this academic year (taking the total to 8 days - or 1/3 of my annual leave).

[SarfEasticated]

just bumping this thread as we are having problems with no BC or ASC at our DD's primary school (well there is one but a 2 year waiting list!). DD is 5 and just wants to come home and relax after school. I am doing really early days two days a week (7-2) but work won't allow me to do any more than two. Mum fills in 3 days but that's not sustainable... I wish school hours were a little more working family friendly!

[housesalehelp]

I do CM for DS1 and its great as my younger one goes too so only one drop off -school has a linked before and after school club - but I felt it would not be enough down time where as at CM he can flop a bit if wants too - teacher training days/snow days/holidays my CM will take if needed

[LimelightsontheChristmastree]

A fairly complex jigsaw of after-school club, working from home, and sharing pick ups / drop offs with friends.

Like an enormous house of cards which frequently collapses round my ankles.

[AnyFuleKno]

Wrap around care at £8.50 a day from 8am to 6pm
. It sucks but that's what we have to do. We are all knackered all the time.

[aftermay]

Breakfast club from 7.45, afterschool club till 6pm. It's fantastic. The kids are with their friends from different years and they love it. They'd go everyday if they could. The club makes accommodations for afterschool activities they do on school premises, they can be collected later.

[CoucouCache]

After school nanny - a student type who is available on inset days and school holidays