Financial help to cover childcare while im recovering from surgery?

bestpud

Nursery is better than school as you don't need to worry as much about set times or missing days.

Would it be easier to keep them at home for a couple of weeks, as that way you can be more relaxed about what they are wearing and wouldn't need to rush in the mornings?

You should improve significantly as the weeks progress so may only be housebound for a short period.

How far is the nursery? Maybe you could get a taxi and travel with them - not the cheapest option but probably easier than other means of getting them there.

skibadee

CAF...

http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/strategy/integratedworking/caf/a0068957/the-caf-process

princessdon

The CAF is a needs assessment form for children and families. Ie you are unable to care for them temporarily due to illness.

They will investigate if assistance can be given and how they can support you during this time. It can be compelted by the nursery staff, HV etc.

It *could* result in a referral to Childrens Centres for a short term nursery placement there - or they will look at other support.

It's nothing to be afraid of.

The key worker allocated can negotiate with the nursery and other services

Ellejmorgan

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Do you have a branch of Homestart near you? They may be able to provide a trained volunteer top help with the children

http://www.home-start.org.uk/homepage

Homestart are not taking on new cases anywhere, my h/s has 20 families on the waiting list...
They can only provide support for 12 families, in my town there is a population of 70,000

A volunteer is only for a hour or so per week, I wouldn't have thought they would do this...

Bennifred

Has your husband asked about unpaid leave?
Do you have any friends or family who would be able to help out at all?

tyllwyd

Do you have a mortgage /debts - it might be worth asking if you can have a payment holiday for a few months to free up some cash.

It does worry me that you say you will be out of action for 6 weeks but your OH is only taking one week off work, and you dont mention any family / friends who can help. My OH has had several major ops and there is no way that he could have gone back to looking after pre-school children after only one week. And as the person supporting him, it is totally exhausting trying to juggle visiting hospital, keeping the home going, working, and all the emotional stress and worry. If there is any way at all he can get more time off work, I think he should ask for it. I've been there and every time I forget just how tired and ill I will feel.

If it is not too personal a question for the internet, what is the op you are going in for?

andi1975

Thank you for the CAF info :-) Interestingly though, we already attend the Family support group at my local Sure Start Childrens Centre and the staff are fab and looking at ways to help but none of them has mentioned this!

Unfortunately my hubby will only be going permanent (currently on contract) at work a month before my op so unpaid leave is not an option. His family wont help, my family are pitching in with a couple of days each that they can get off work but still leaves us short. A friend has agreed to pick up and drop my girls to nursery on 2 of the mornings per week but cant cover pick ups or the other days.

The operation is for my severe Endometriosis so Im having a full Hysterectomy & a bowel re-section! I know, i already feel bad and know what a strain this will be on him trying to do everything Being told have no choice though as my deteriorating health is already having an impact on my family.

cte1111

I was able to get some help from Sure Start when I needed childcare so that I could attend medical appointments. I was referred by my health visitor and there was some funding available to cover a few childcare sessions.

tyllwyd

andi1975 wrote: »

... The operation is for my severe Endometriosis so Im having a full Hysterectomy & a bowel re-section! I know, i already feel bad and know what a strain this will be on him trying to do everything Being told have no choice though as my deteriorating health is already having an impact on my family.

You have my total sympathy! My OH has had two bowel resections and it is a big op, nevermind the hysterectomy as well.

Are you sure that nursery is the best option for every day? How about looking for a childminder who can pick up from you and drop the children back home again at the end of the day? Or how about a babysitter who can come and look after the children in your own house, so you can supervise but not have to run around yourself. I wonder if the nursery might be able to recommend someone who could help out for a few weeks.

Marisco

tyllwyd wrote: »

You have my total sympathy! My OH has had two bowel resections and it is a big op, nevermind the hysterectomy as well.

Are you sure that nursery is the best option for every day? How about looking for a childminder who can pick up from you and drop the children back home again at the end of the day? Or how about a babysitter who can come and look after the children in your own house, so you can supervise but not have to run around yourself. I wonder if the nursery might be able to recommend someone who could help out for a few weeks.

Just what I was going to suggest!!! My oh's daughter is a nursery assistant, but she only works 3 mornings a week (looking for more hours) and I know she would do something like this, the extra money would come in handy!