childcare

thatgirlsam

you could advertise for a mother help to work in your home, my friend did this recently and got a registered childminder apply as she was fed up with kids being in her house and wanted to work as a nanny/mother help but because she was registered my mate got the childcare element to help

don't know how much room you have at home but another alternative would be an au pair

Spendless

gabyjane wrote: »

Yes but they are a 'babysitter' not a 'childminder' / proper childcarer so no good for the OP. My dd in a few years time can 'babysit' but i wouldn't let my child loose all day with one!

It wouldn't be all day.

Kimberley82 wrote: »

6 and 8. Just after school for 3 hours,

looby75

gabyjane wrote: »

Yes but they are a 'babysitter' not a 'childminder' / proper childcarer so no good for the OP. My dd in a few years time can 'babysit' but i wouldn't let my child loose all day with one!

The OP said she only needs childcare for 3 hours after school, that sounds like a perfect opportunity to use a babysitter.

galvanizersbaby

gabyjane wrote: »

galvanizersbaby some childminders don't do afterschool care due to the sheer behaviour of older children! Some don't do it unless they work that late as it is not worth it time or money wise and some don't due to it's the only time some familys sit down together and it interupts that. Me personally i do it as take the lo's to school and have them after and work till 6pm with others anyway but i never really see dh due to this.

The insurance side unfortunately is compulsary for childminders for our benefit and your childs. IF say your child fell off a wall and did a serious injury i'm sure you would brush it off as an accident BUT there are lots of people who wouldn't and would try to sue believe it or not. It's like lots of insurances in a way pointless till needed then it's a different story. There is public liability which would cover while out and about too and the home which will pay for my sofa if little jonny spills paint all over it or ruins something else!

As for short term help..well i am not against this what i am against is people looking after other peoples children for money when they are not registered as it is not on when done on a proper basis. Too many people advertise as 'childminders' when really they aren't and make the rest of us feel like we have wasted all our time with training etc. Rant over!

Yes, as I said I've never had to be concerned about the personal circumstances of childminders - I work until 5.30 most days so as a parent I'm really only interested in reliable and safe childcare for the times I need it - I can see why some childminders don't do afterschool care but as I said if a service doesn't fit a parents needs then I guess they won't use it/go elsewhere - hopefully OP can find something suitable for her and her children or spaces will become available with a childminder who can help.

I see what you mean about the insurance - as you say if my child were injured falling off a wall I would be concerned just with my childs injury not trying to get financial gain from the adult that was caring for them at the time - I can't see how that would help anyone.

galvanizersbaby

looby75 wrote: »

The OP said she only needs childcare for 3 hours after school, that sounds like a perfect opportunity to use a babysitter.

Yes I think it could work - I have left DS who is nearly 8 in the care of my 14 year old niece at home on occasion - she has no training (other than in commonsense ) or insurance for that matter.:eek:

gabyjane

Ah apologies didn't see the 3 hour bit. Even still they would have to be a good well vetted babysitter to leave children that age with imo. I wouldn't leave my dd (11) with a sitter for 3 hours every night but just me.
As for the insurance again 90% of people wouldn't think twice if an accident happened BUT there is always one parent who would take the mickey of you were the on without the insurance..plus it is a requirement we have to have.

Kimberley82

LittleTinker wrote: »

Would you not prefer to tighten your belts and be at home with the kids after school rather than palm them off on someone else?

Ive never understood it myself.....paying a childminder a ton of money to babysit my children so I only see them at bedtime.

I have been tightening my belt for the last 8 years to be at home with my children. I NEED more money to keep a roof over their heads which to me is a pretty important thing, so why dont you go and be judgemental somewhere else.

Spendless

Have you had any joy anywhere re childcare Kimberley?

Kimberley82

Maybe, the leader of the breakfast and afterschool club thinks there will be spaces in 3 weeks and I 'think' I have it covered till then