Handing in my notice

[Mrsajk]

Good morning everyone.

I started work in May 2026 as a lunchtime supervisor. I do 1 hour and 5 minutes a day, Monday to Friday. I am currently only on a fixed term contract until December but I've decided after a lot of thought that i want to hand in my notice. When i first got the job, i initially thought i would have childcare for my kids if they were ever off sick etc.. Turns out i do not have a village unfortunately. I had to take my 6 year old to school every day last week with a fever all because i have no childcare and I'd also already had two days off this term, one for when my daughter had to go to a&e as emergency for a head and kidney injury that happened at school and then second when i was driving to work and my car unexpectedly just clonked out on me whilst driving in the middle of the road. On top of that, i have to pay £100 extra each month just for my son to attend nursery for one extra day (well not even a day, it's two hours!) and trust me I've tried to claim this back off UC but they are being extremely difficult. They've paid me once in between may and now. I currently also get carers allowance too as my eldest son is on DLA so me not working isn't going to be an issue, i only got the job as a little bit of extra income each month that's all. Anyway, how would it work in me handing in my notice as I am still also in my probation period (its 26 weeks) so it also won't end until December.

overall, how much better off are you for working 5 hours a week? Can you manage without it? Are you better off working ie does work make you feel good mentally and having something to do?
How many days realistically are your kids going to be off sick? The choice is yours but do realise other parents have the same challenges and make it work.

Your child had a fever for a week??

how would it work in me handing in my notice

You resign and leave at the end of your notice period (which will be stated in your contract). You can ask to use any accrued leave to shorten your notice but they don’t have to agree to this (and probably won’t given it will take longer than your notice period to replace you).

I had exact same dilemma about 6/7 years ago. My daughter was in and out of hospital with various things, and I just couldn't cope. No childcare available. I also have no family and as a single mum I just struggled.

I just left. The money I earnt was not worth the hassle and I felt bad for having to take time off so often. It wasn't fair on the rest of the staff.

My children are young adults now so I work pretty much full time in an admin job at a big company.

I enjoy it but it's only possible because they are older that I can manage it. It's so difficult logistically when you are the sole carer.

I would just hand your notice in. You can say with immediate effect if you want. They won't challenge you and can't force you to work your notice but I imagine it will only be a week anyway.

Put your family first. Nothing else matters.

What is your notice period as stated in your contract? You write a letter resigning, and tell them as per your contract your notice period is X, therefore your last day will be Y. Your notice may well be a month tho.

Also, check what notice nursery require for you sons place - and make sure you dont end up needing to pay for that after you are no longer working by handing in notice there too.

What ‘village’ were you expecting? That’s a phrase that is normally mentioned when people are expecting someone (mostly a woman) to do their childcare free. Most people have to throw money at childcare.

Look at your contract for your notice period, it might just be be a week in your probation period.

Could it affect your UC if you leave? I’m not up to date with the new system but years ago it impacted you if you left a job voluntarily.