Chikdcare options resources?

Ally

What's the best place to look for last minute childcare for a few hours - a one off? Do proper private nurseries provide this service?

Spendless

Private nurseries don't round where I am Ally but that's not to say it's the same thru-out country. How old is child? This time of year we have several holiday playschemes that run in schools or leisure centres. youngest I've seen them take children from is 2, but more often 3 or 4. If there is a space you could have a one off there, ours do 1/2 days or full days, ours don't do hourly rates so you would have to pay the whole session.

Ally

she's 3, I don't care how much it costs really, provided the service is good!

I can't believe how hard it is to get someone to look after her for 1 hour, 2 hours tops!:rolleyes: I have exhuasted every option, asked everyone I know and no one can do it. Have arranged something for eldest which was easy!

I am really really upset about this now as I will miss a big opportunity if I can't find proper care for her and I am also angry with myself for being proper !!!!!! off with the people I know that I have helped many times for not helping me out when I really need it

Spendless

Is this link any good Ally
http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp

Also are you in a surestart area? If so ring them for any ideas? Also early years, HV for suggestions? Notice in local newsagents could any registered childminder help me out on x day for so long.

Childminder in our area sent out letter when our school was closed for election day saying they were happy to take children (up to her quota)as a one off for that day.

Ally

Thanks spendless!

You reminded me of someone I had forgotten about! Just called him and he said if all else fails, he will sort something out! He's a registered childminder too and has other kids that day!! But they, unlike mine are well behaved!

I feel like a weight has been lifted off me and I hope it does work out!:o

Nicki

Some nanny agencies will do nannies on a one-day basis to cover working parents when their own nanny calls in sick. You could, if your other offer falls through, look into this though it would be an expensive option I would think

scoobydo_2

Hi as a childminder I have taken a child on for just a few hours as emergency cover . just check out your local childrens information service , if your in the derby area give me a pm !!!

emma_b_4

try advertising on nannyjob.co.uk for a nanny who will be ahppy top help if possible, i was a nanny and had 3 jobs thru this site.

what area are you in??

mummymania

Try this -

https://www.emergencychildcare.co.uk

https://www.sitters.co.uk

I've used both and they are very professional!

Ally

Thanks guys, sorry for not getting back to you all sooner .... have been doing cartwheels (sp?) I'm so excited .... have sorted it and I can not believe how lucky I have been! A friend is actually taking a day off to help me out!

It's been an eventful day, but it helped me realise who my 'real' friends are .... funny how these things bring out the worst in some and the best in others!

Have to say, even though it is sad, after today and the things people have said, I will think very hard before I offer to help someone even though it is against my nature!

I wish all people in real life were as reliable as the MSE folk on here ... Thanks guys ... gonna add the links to my favs!