Can I save any more money?!

JayS_3

Sarahsaver wrote:

Ooh I got a ((hug)) from MATH Im off to auction it on ebay!
I think they have to offer me an interview anyway because I fall into the category of having a disability.

Hi Sarahsaver

If they turn you down, ask to see their disability anti-discrimation policy, in writing, you may find that they have discriminated against you and be able to persuade them to employ you - at the very least, it might make them reconsider your application as it is in their advantage to show they employ a certain number of disabled personnel.

On another train on thoughts, did the original job specifiation mention alternate Saturday's? If it didn't, then you could 'press' the point.

Just thought of another tack. Do you have a college near you, that trains nursery nurses or children's nurses? These colleges have to provide experience for their students, when my children where small a few friends with problems such as twins, two/three very young children close in age etc, contacted the lectures at our local college and were allocated a student who spent some time with the families each week. After a while, the student became part of the family, and babysat and helped more and more. This type of arrangement might help you. Apart from the private babysitting, they didn't pay for this, the student had to do some work-experience as part of their course so were not paid for it.

Hope some of this helps.
Best wishes

JayS

Savvy_Sue

Rude words: I just did a post, previewed it to check the links then shut that tab by mistake!

Anyway: what I think I said was that def. worth asking HV about childcare options. Also since all childminders have to be registered it's worth getting 'the list' just to check there's not someone you don't know about. 'The list' used to be kept by Social Services but is probably now available through Ofsted, and I think the website is Childcare Link although I wouldn't necessarily rely on their list being up to date. But it may flag up other options you haven't thought of or didn't know about.

Also have you thought about childminding yourself? If there's a shortage, there's money to be made that way! Registration isn't trivial, of course, takes time, so may not fit in with your medium term plans, but perhaps worth thinking about. Two sites: Ofsted and Childare Careers. If not childminding then maybe child care in a more formal setting would work.

Gutted about the CT benefit allegation. But at least they've given erroneous info so should be easy enough to correct - just the stress you could do without!

Sarahsaver

No WAY do i want to be a childminder!!! i have thought of it but I just couldnt do it. I sent off for loads of application forms yesterday, and found that the kids' school after school club has places. Littlun can start there when hes 4, thats only a couple of months off. Splat west should give me an interview because i declared my disability on the forms, if they dont i spose they have broken the law.
Ive looked at the list and phoned the local childminders no-one will fetch from my kids' school!!!
Got a home visit today from the council tax, 'verification' b*llocks.

elona

Sarah

Good luck with the home visit and let us know how you get on! We will all be thinking of you.

JayS_3

JayS wrote:

Hi Sarahsaver

If they turn you down, ask to see their disability anti-discrimation policy, in writing, you may find that they have discriminated against you and be able to persuade them to employ you - at the very least, it might make them reconsider your application as it is in their advantage to show they employ a certain number of disabled personnel.

On another train on thoughts, did the original job specifiation mention alternate Saturday's? If it didn't, then you could 'press' the point.

Just thought of another tack. Do you have a college near you, that trains nursery nurses or children's nurses? These colleges have to provide experience for their students, when my children where small a few friends with problems such as twins, two/three very young children close in age etc, contacted the lectures at our local college and were allocated a student who spent some time with the families each week. After a while, the student became part of the family, and babysat and helped more and more. This type of arrangement might help you. Apart from the private babysitting, they didn't pay for this, the student had to do some work-experience as part of their course so were not paid for it.

Hope some of this helps.
Best wishes

JayS

Just wondered if you had looked into this ?

Savvy_Sue

Sarahsaver wrote:

No WAY do i want to be a childminder!!! i have thought of it but I just couldnt do it.

Fairy nuff! I couldn't either ... some of my friends used to think their childminders were overcharging them, making a mint etc, but as I said, if they wanted to they could do that job, and none of them wanted to! I helped set up a couple of after school clubs, too, and sometimes had to work as a playworker: that was d*mn hard work too, not my idea of fun!

Sarahsaver

Well basically its no disrespect to childminders, but i dont want to bring up anyone elses kids, i do that already! I have considered fostering but that would be different. Also being followed to the loo all the time by my own kids is enough!
I have a couple of job applications which arrived this morning, interesting jobs with hours which would suit me hopefully.
The advert for the 1st hjob I went for didnt mention saturdays so i may contact them and say it was a bit misleading, but ive got enough on my plate without getting bitter about that.
Letter from the ex's solicitor this morning - he wants 2 see the boys:(

elona

Sarah

How long is it since your ex saw the boys and why now - when you have the right to stay in the house?

I hate to be so cynical but do you think it is a way to show power and try to influence children ie moving elsewhere so house can be sold and he takes his cut.?

If he was genuine and paying child support, turning up when he said etc etc, then it could be a help to you but I would not hold my breath- good luck :):)

Glad

Sarah

why does he only want to see the boys?
what about your daughter?

Sarahsaver

different father