Please tell me what happens to your dc is they are ill and you have to work.

[whyme2]

I have been interviewed and hopefully going to be offered a job as a deputy nursery manager.

When I was being interviewed one panel member asked me what plans I had if my own children were ill and off school.
I replied that between myself and my dh we would take turns at being off work and we also had one or two friends that might be able to help us but no family nearby that we could rely on.
I can't do anything more than that can I? I have four dc and I understand it is a risk. BTW my dc are all primary school age so not old enough to be left. Dh works across town and neither of us drive.

I am now worried that if I get the job I will be in trouble if a dc is ill. What kind of contingency plan can I come up with?

The law states that employers have to be flexible with regards to parents who have primary age children. Your child is your first priority, as it should be with any parent, and any decent employer should understand this (especially if they have kids of their own).

Erm maybe someone with HR knowledge will come along but fairly sure they can't ask you that type of question during an interview.
In answer to your question... Dh and I work it out between us and grandparents.

Joona, which bit of legislation says that employers have to be flexible with parents of primary-age children? I am aware of e.g. the right to request flexible working, emergency dependants leave and parental leave, for example, but nothing as wide-ranging as you seem to be suggesting - not saying that you are wrong, but it would be interesting to see what you are referring to specifically.

It's all very well saying that any decent employer will understand that a parent's first priority is their child but they do have obligations towards their clients and service users as well and a requirement to make a profit, in most cases! In this instance, imagine you were the parent who turned up to nursery to be told that they couldn't take your child that day because they were short-staffed due to having too many staff off because of their child's illness? There needs to be compromise on both sides.

For the OP, yes, you are entitled to emergency leave if your children are sick. This is generally intended to be only a day or two however to allow you time to organise alternative care if the illness is likely to extend beyond that time. Given that most children are ill for a short period, if you and your husband spilt the time off between you, it should not be too onerous and the fact that you mentioned your husband will be involved will help. Otherwise, could you look at an emergency nanny or childminder if necessary? I know this is expensive but if you really have no family support you will come up agianst the problem sooner or later. What are your plans for inset days, school holidays etc?

Well the job is only contracted for term time which is why it is perfect for me as I can't afford childcare for four dc's. Any other days and training courses would be covered with dh's holiday which he can take anytime or using my childminder/friend.

I do have a childminder/friend who would have my dc's if they were ill but she couldn't take them if she was already working.

When I met the nursery manager (prior to the interview) she did say that healthy children would be okay to attend with me if necessary. We were discussing the possible upcoming teacher's strikes.

Sometimes I take time off - I usually use AL to do it, or unpaid leave if I'm short of AL.

Sometimes DH takes time of, with same conditions as above.

Sometimes they go to their grandparents, but not if they are infectious or throwing up as that wouldn't be on.

annh yes you are right, i didnt word what i meant very well. Working parents are legally obliged to request flexibility with their shift patterns etc, what you said is correct.

But if the employer was not willing to oblige, then there really isnt much point in them employing someone with children, as all parents will inevitably run into problems somewhere down the line and need to take un-planned time off.