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Original poster

I need part time overnight childcare - any ideas

10 replies

Chepstow1 · 11/10/2004 17:07

Hi - I am a mother of 1, and am planning to go back to work in a few months time. My employer has been very open to me returning part time, however the job that I left requires regular overnight travel. I could go back 2.5/3 days a week but would need to be prepared to be away at least 1 night. I have limited support locally to help with overnight babysitting. Does anyone know if part time live in nanny's exist or any other options that I could consider (other than get a new job!!)? Big thanks!

OP posts:
collision · 11/10/2004 17:11

I think you can basically get what you want these days and there would be some nannies or mothers helps who would be willing to do this. Contact some agencies and tell them what you need and I am sure they will help.

Original poster
Chepstow1 · 11/10/2004 18:23

Thanks - I guess it would cost a fortune?? Does anyone have any idea on rough costs?

OP posts:
PuffTheMagicDragon · 11/10/2004 18:52

There's a thread on here about this called "24 hour childcare advice" - have a look at that - it might help.

SofiaAmes · 11/10/2004 19:54

Where do you live? If you let us know, maybe there is a mumsnetter in your area who can give a specific recommendation.

CountessDracula · 11/10/2004 20:04

Hi Chepstow - could you get a live-in nanny who would be willing to work unusual hours? Or an au pair (if your child is old enough to be left in the care of an au pair). I take it you have no partner to help out.

Uwila · 11/10/2004 20:05

I would think a nanny share -- if you can find one would help. I would also think that if you just call an agency and ask for urgent nighttime assistance it will cost an arm and a leg.

Where do you live? (if you don't mind me asking)

Perhaps you could even arrange daytime care at a nursery, and then use someone elses nanny who doesn't work for them evening to come over and spend the night on the days you travel.

Original poster
Chepstow1 · 11/10/2004 21:46

Hi - thanks heaps for all the responses. I live (or should I say we) in Thames Ditton. Like all Mums I want to have as normal as poss for he bubs, so continuity in childcare and not having to drag the poor soul out of bed at an awful hour to make my train. Reservations about nannies are dependancy on one person, so maybe the nursery nanny combo could work. I guess I always thought that it would make working worthless due to cost, and I need to earn a crust. As for the partner question... long story.....

OP posts:
Uwila · 12/10/2004 12:51

How old is your little one? Does he/she get up during the night, or is it just a case of having someone there while he/she sleeps.

I live in Subury, and employ a nanny for my 18 month old girl. She is fantastic. Very dependable. And I just absolutely love not having to pack up dd, take her to nursery, pick her up ON TIME, and so on. When I get home, dd has had dinner, bath, and ready for bed. I love having a live in... especially since my husband leaves all week and that leaves me to do all the work.

I'm really not too far from you. I wonder if there might be a possibility for a bit of sharing here??? I'm sure my nanny would appreciate an opportunity to make a bit of extra money. But, I'm not sure if I could always spare her by the time you would need her. Also, she does not have a car (but does have a drivers license).

Let me know if you think I can help.

Original poster
Chepstow1 · 13/10/2004 18:47

Wow - Uwila, that is very very thoughtful of you. Not sure how timings would work however, as I am not planning to go back to work for another 6 months, maybe even longer, just trying to get my act in gear now due to wait lists etc on nurseries. Like you, I have a husband who works away Mon-Fri, so it's going to be up to me to manage things here. I am so conscious about not packing up the little un each day which is why live in would be perfect or share even better (for interaction) plus a nursery too. If I founs the right person, then I could get round all of the logistics stuff, e.g transport for them, but as I said timings are quite a way off. You are a star for responding though- big thanks

OP posts:
hatter · 14/10/2004 18:46

The only thing about part-time live in nannies (I have one, not actually through choice - it's a long story) is that you won't make the massive saving on cost that you would normally make. If a nanny lives in full-time then your house is her accommodation, and she has no other accomodation costs and this is reflected accordingly in her salary. If they only live in part-time, then they still need somewhere else to live - so in this neck of the woods (I'm about two-trhee miles away!) you'd need to pay live-out rates - otherwise it wouldn't be financially viable for the nanny.

Could you seperate teh two things - ie have day care through nursery or live out nanny, and then have a live in au pair - au pairs don't do long hours but are not very expensive

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