part time childcare - advice needed

[manna]

I've finally gone back to work with ds at 15mnths. The nature of my work is that (happliy) I'll only do the odd day here or there, and never have much notice beforehand as to when I'm needed. I live in Central London (W2) and have 2 willing but busy grannies nearby. I can forsee all sorts of problems when they can't help out, and feel bad asking them at the last minute. Any ideas on childcare? do they do drop in nurseries? (what about the childrens sleep times at nursery?) a childminder? an on / off nanny? how does it all work - I'm absolutely clueless. How much does it all cost?

most nurseries require a commitment from you - to guarantee their income & survival - and many like ours say that babies/children should go there at least two days a week - even if they're half days - so they get used to the routine. I know another mum who works infrequently but her ds's go to nursery twice a week, every week regardless of what she's doing..but that's quite a pricey option. we pay around £35 a day at a nursery, but that's quite cheap for London and I'd imagine W2 would be more expensive, even up to £70 a day in some cases. maybe you could find another mum who uses a childminder/nanny with a bit of slack in the system who wouldn't mind an ad hoc arrangement, but IMO routine is good in these things and babies like to know where they stand

Manna, depends a bit on your DS - some babies of this age hate strangers and will only settle with people they know. When I needed care for just one day, I found two nannies who are happy to work on an ad hoc basis (paid by the hour) but that was through the recommendation of a friend. They are in SW London, so not sure if this works for you, but I am happy to pass on their phone number if you want it. DS is also quite adaptable and friendly, so I didn't worry that he would be completely miserable AND I was working from home, so he was in a familiar environoment, and if there were any problems I was immediately contactable. They were actually very nice to DS and it worked out well.

Manna, as others have said, most nurseries don't do drop-in sessions because places are in such demand. BUT if Florenceuk's helpful suggestions don't prove suitable, I think there is a nursery at Victoria Station which promotes itself as a safe, appropriate etc place to leave your little ones while out for a day in London etc. I have no idea what it is like, but I would have thought with that target market, you might be able to book odd days at short notice.
The other approach might be to go back to your employers, who sound lovely and accommodating, and try and agree a definite day or days per week or fortnight when you will work. I do honestly think you will find it easier to get quality childcare, and your ds will settle better in it, if there is some pattern to his days away from you. Good luck with your hunt - and with the new job.

that's really kind, florencuk - I'd love their numbers.

Marina - I've actually started modelling again, after a break of 8 years, (and at the age of 34!) so the nature of the work means that often jobs only get confirmed a day or two beforehand. You are warned that the client is considering you, usually along with a few others, but they only confirm at the last minute, in my experience!! Still, my agency is fantastic, and has a special division for older models (me, apparently!), some of whom have kids, or are actresses or do other things etc. so they are used to juggling things around, and know that I will have to turn work down on occasion. It's very weird going back - I've lost all the weight but my tummy looks a bit crinkled - I think I'll skip the swimwear castings this time round

Manna, get Mumsnet to send your email to me and I will get back to you. Wow, a model!!! V. glam. Now how do Helena Christensen, Yasmin et al get their tummies to go back to normal???

Manna - a friend of a friend has opened up a "drop in" nursery in Fulham. Don't know if that's any good for you but could find out more details if you would like.

Goodness, Manna, I am ever so impressed. Best of luck - it seems to be quite chic to be a model mum at the minute, perhaps the agencies ought to have nannies as part of the assignment service. Quite see how you cannot predict the work patterns, but hope you are VERY busy!

willow2 - that would be good - the more info. the better, imo.

Florenceuk - thanks for the number, I'll call them on Monday.And as for all the model mums - haven't you heard of the combined caesarian & tummy tuck - very popular at the portland, from what I understand

I left him with a childminder on friday for the first time, for 2.4hrs! I've known her for years through my church, though, so it wasn't very scary. He howled like a banshee when I left, and was then fine - hurrah Unfortunatly, she only has the odd half day spare, so I can't really rely on her, much as I'd like to.