Childcare for school children ?

Question

My 4yr old is due to start school this September. At present we have nursery cover 8am-6pm which covers our working hours, the nursery doesn't close for holidays so this is secure all year round. School is only going to be 9am-3pm so we have managed to find an insainly expensive nanny to do 8am-9am and then 3pm-6pm. Then I suddenly thought what about all the school holidays?? easter, half terms, 6 wk summer hols etc The nanny is our max child care budget. Any ideas as to what I can do ? We have no relatives that can cover all this time and I want my child to be safe and happy not just palmed off with anyone x

Answer 1

Wrap around care ( can be called different things in other areas) could be a solution. A lot of our After school clubs offer this and they are wondrful.  The locl council should have a list of these. Also we have a list of OFSTED registered child minders who can offer after school and holiday care. thhis could be better --and cheaper-- than a Nanny.

Contact the local council and ask what provision is offered in your area or go to the local library where a list should be available.

Answer 2

hi, i am in exactly the same situation only i am a single parent so maybe entitled to a few more benefits, anyway, the only option i have come up with so far is to either find a childminder to take her to and from school, which still doesn't answer the holidays problem... or, change my working hours to fit in with the school, as employers are obliged to let you do flexi-hours if you have a child under 5.......  xx

Answer 3

A lot of schools have wrap around care now. If your school doesn't offer this then the chances are one of the other local schools will. Childminders are a very good source too. Many will take on extra children in the holidays.

Answer 4

So hiring a nanny isn't just palming them off with anyone???

Contact your local council and find an approved child minder, they cover hours before and after school, and do school holidays too, they are cheaper than hiring a nanny.  They often look after a couple of children at a time so your little one will have somebody to play with.  They are vetted by the council and have to undergo inspections in their homes and undertake courses.  Other than that you could pay for a private nursery, look into afterschool clubs, or perhaps work less hours and spend more time with your child.

Answer 5

i work in a day care nursery open from 7.30 in the morning to 6 at night we take the children to school and pick them up afterwards. does the nursery you had not provide this cover ? maybe there are others that do in your area? would be less expensive than a nanny and also it would be socially beneficial to your child . hope this helps good luck/

Answer 6

There is a big change due with new government expectations that all schools provide extended services. In preparation for this most schools have some sort of plan (at least in mind) of what services they are going to offer i.e. breakfast clubs. However schools will only offer services if there is a need so make enquiries at the school and with the local authorities early years dept. If you know other parents who want similar services get them to badger the school as well. There should at least be a local school providing playschemes in the holiday which your council education department will give you details about.

Answer 7

If your child is going to a public school check to see if they offer a  before/after school program. I work for this type of program for our local school and it is fairly inexpensive. We are also open on all holidays the school is closed including summer.

Answer 8

Check with the school or a local YMCA to see if they have an extended-day program.  I only pay $9 per morning and $13 per afternoon and the program is from 7-8:40 and 3:30 - 6pm.  YMCA's also offer programs over vacations, a day camp with extended day, anything like that.  A YMCA camp is usually about $210 a week and you can pay extra for a longer day if you need to.  What's better to a 4-year old than playing sports, swimming, doing crafts, and making new friends all summer??