Due back at work but childcare has fallen through

[Greatfun]

I am due back at work in 3 weeks after being on maternity leave for a year and a career break for another year. I booked what I thought was a lovely CM to take care of my 2 DCs (aged 4 and 2). However, things haven't worked out and I am now without childcare. I am going to speak to work tomorrow about my options but what can I expect them to say? I only have 3 weeks until I am due back. I rang all the CM that go to the DCs school on friday and they are full, a nanny is too expensive as is a private nursery. DH is not in a position to take any more than a few weeks holiday. I am panicking as if this takes longer to sort out where would I stand?

Have you considered an Au Pair?

No space.

Much depends on your contract and terms and conditions. Does your employer grant emergency leave for childcare problems? Many do - for a few days - which might buy you a little time to find new childcare. But, apart from that, your employer will (I imagine) be expecting you to turn up for work as arranged.

Does your library/council keep a list of all registered CMs? Is there any chance you could find a CM who does not currently go to the school but would?

Have you considered a nannyshare?

I am hiring a nanny at the moment and will find a family to split the cost 50/50 with. You pay the nanny a slightly higher rate, but I have 2 children, one at school now, on pre-school and CM worked out more expensive if you can believe it...plus they didn't work the hours I needed. Nursery even more expensive and obviously can't pick up DD from school..also don't do the hours I need.

Have a look on nannyshare.co.uk and see if there are any families near you looking. Post an ad yourself. Talk to other families at school.

See if you can get a temporary nanny in the meantime? You could probably haggle a reasonable wage as a lot of temporary nannies are FT nannies currently out of a job and looking for a FT job, so will take any little 2/3 weeks here or there they can get as it's better than having no money at all.

Good luck.

I rung a nanny agency. They said the net wage would be £80 per day which was too much for me as gross would be over £100? That was for a PT nanny though as they dont have nanny shares.

If you can't find anything you are basically dependent on your employer's goodwill tbh. 3 weeks is quite late notice.

You could ask for parental leave, you need to give 21 days' notice. Your employer can postpone it due to business reasons if it's not convenient but as they've been managing without you for a couple of years they might not be able to do that.

Or you could just ask for (say) a month extension to your career break, which presumably is unpaid anyway.

Or you could take some holiday.

Or a combination of all 3.

The key is to communicate with them fully as soon as possible, explain the situation, reassure them that you are trying to resolve it as soon as possible, and discuss with them what options they are prepared to consider.

GreatFun - have you visited that site with the nannyshare ads?

Whereabouts in the country are you?

Going forward a nannyshare might be a better solution for you anyway than a childminder...Your children are exactly the same age as mine.

I'm paying crazy London childcare prices, but a childminder for my two DURING term time for my eldest (so only a few hours for her) was going to cost me 2.3K per month. Sharing a nanny with another family is going to cost me 1.8K per month. Ignore the figures themselves if you are outside London, but see the massive difference.

Is your 4 year old in reception? If he/she isn't, you can expect the CM costs to be even more, but the nanny costs stay the same.

Agencies don't really put together nannyshares - you have to find the family yourself. That's why that website is good, but you need to ask around other families and really make this a big project - FIND FAMILY! I'm still searching but it's only been 2 weeks.

I am putting together a nanny, a family to share her with together in exactly your time frame. It's tight but I believe I can do it.

But take Flowery's advice...she is very sensible and knows everything you need to know on HR/Employment issues.

BTW - THREAD HIJACK.

FLOWERY - A very long time ago you gave me some great advice about a colleague being paid more than me for the same job ....well, just FYI I have now left that job, managed to get a voluntary redundancy payout...but had been offered another much better job with more pay which they didn't know about. So have had 2 months at home with the kids, some money in my back pocket, and start jazzy new job in 2 weeks! Hurrah And the old work are SOOOOO sore about losing me, double ha ha!

This happened to us, so you have my sympathy. Luckily DH was self employed and we shared the childcare am / pm. After a while a local family offered a nanny share. Have you considered advertising on Post Office boards ? Lots of people with young children may see your advert and be able to offer advice. Good luck.

Thank you all. As usul flowery your advice is spot on. I think I have found someone else. I am also going to check out a nanny share for a long term solution.

h