Giving Up Work due to Child Care Issues ... Really URGENT Please HELP

Bettyboop

:mad:

Hello All,

I want to know what other people's experiences were like when they had to leave work because of childcre issues.

I started a new job 3 weeks ago. Fortunately, I have always been in work. I like my new job and I have been in tears all afternoon as I may have to leave. At the same time she started with a new childminder. Today, she terminated the contract but to be honest I am not happy with her. She isn't a likeable person (she was very professional when we met her) but I don't think she is cut out for the job. I have been trying for two weeks to find someone else but I have exhausted Opportunity Links, phoned places including agencies and really tried very hard to find a replacement. Then again I learnt today that it's not likely for my little to get a place in the before and afternoon club at the school she will be starting in September.

I am seperated from my husband and I don't have any family here (they live in South Africa). My friends all work. I really don't want to leave but I don't know whatelse to do. I have had an idea about finding something working nights and then I could sleep while she is at preschool. This is only term time and there are also no guarantees for husband would be back before 19:00 in the evenings : (. I am also very angry because even though she terminated it and I was going to eventually when I found elsewhere....she was very rude, forceful and she put words in my mouth. She seemed p**ssed off because she hadn't received any positive feedback???? she also didn't like it if I asked her not to give my daughter this or that. She pushed a lot of sugar which is not even healthy for kids.

Please I need some advice. I tried the option of a nanny but the tax credits people said they would only pay £140.00 per week towards that and I would need to find £160.00 per week for the rest (where I live they earn £300 per week).

I'm really worried about money. The thought of giving up work is worrying me sick. I don't want to struggle. I have credit cards to pay and we have to eat.

Thanks for reading and I hope you can help.

Katgoddess

Have you tried http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp ?

Does your local council have a Children's Information Service? Ours has a list of all the childminders and nurseries with vacancies. They will be able to link you with someone suitable.

Hope you find someone soon.

alwaysonthego_2

Have you tried a local nursery or maybe an au pair. If this is not possible and you do have to leave your job, see the cab regarding your cc debts. Do you have any other debt? Remember that cc debt in non priority debt, you cannot be sent to prison for defaulting on them. Eating, a roof over your head and gas and electric are all priority so keep up with those payments. The cab will fill out an expenditure sheet for you and work out what is left over foryour crditors and will negotiate with them on your behalf, but this is if you can't sort your child care out good luck

Bettyboop

katgoddess, I have already contacted them. There are nurseries the other side of town who could take her but I will have to remove her from her preschool for this. I have looked at the Ofsted reports and they are no good. The good ones are already full to capacity. I am really dreading not being able to work. I feel really bad at the idea of letting down my employer !

izoomzoom

Hi Bettyboop

I couldn't not reply to your post as we are from your neck of the woods too (me Jo'burg), and I know how difficult it can be here, without a family support network.

Although I have never been in your position, I do understand the stress of finding a good CM. Can I suggest you also try the following:

Ask the CM who has just terminated the contract if she knows of anyone who may have vacancies. Alternatively contact the other CMs in your area, especially the full ones, and ask if they know / can recommend anyone. You'll be amazed at the resources / networks that CM have, as this might help you locate a CM that isn't registered on the web site previously mentioned.

Also, ask the school where your daughter is going to, if they have any CM on their 'books'.

Hope something comes up soon, and also that your employer will be a bit patient whilst you re-settle your daughter.

Bettyboop

izoomzoo, I phoned everyone and asked abouth childminders. I have researched the internet and spoken to more than 100 people. Sometimes people say things happen for a reason. But surely being out of work isn't a good thing. This is the second time it's happened to me and I'm not wondering if I should be working? I really want to stay at the hospital where I work but this is practically impossible.

Justie

Bettyboop wrote: »

katgoddess, I have already contacted them. There are nurseries the other side of town who could take her but I will have to remove her from her preschool for this. I have looked at the Ofsted reports and they are no good. The good ones are already full to capacity. I am really dreading not being able to work. I feel really bad at the idea of letting down my employer !

don't go just by the OFSTED report - go and visit the nurseries and see how you feel about them. Also it's worth explaining to work that you're currently having problems because your CM has let you down - could you take holiday or even unpaid leave for a set period of time while you sort it out. It sound as though giving up work would cause you more stress than by putting your child in a friendly but not very with it (in child development terms) nursery. There will be options out there but it's hard finding them at short notice.

Bettyboop

Justie, I'm sorry but I just realised that I meant to say I visited a few of them in March when I had this same problem then. The only difference is the childminder wasn't horrible. She was just tired and needed hospital treatment.

MoaningMyrtle

The only thing I can suggest is look into getting an Au Pair or a Nanny Share.

Maybe ask your Health Visitor if she knows of any Child Minders? Also, your local authority website should have a list of registered childminders. Good luck!!

Bettyboop

MoaningMyrtle, I have been on the la website and phoned all the registered childminders within a fair distance of my home. I don't have a spare room for an aupair but I will look into the idea of a nanny share. Thanks

Elle00

I'd be just as upset in your position hun so huge !!!!{HUGS}}} to you.

I note you said you work in a hospital, is it NHS? I ask because even though they've only just taken you on, an NHS employer is usually one that will assist their employees in a crisis. I know it's frightening but maybe the best thing to do is talk to them and see what they have to say on the matter? Explain how much you love your job and emphasise what terrible luck it is that you got let down by your CM at such short notice and so early on in your new job. Ask them if there is anyway they can enable you to sort this situation out and keep your job maybe?

The advice about asking the Health Visitor is helpful too because you never know what "inside knowledge" she might have. The other thing to do of course is to ring everybody you've already rung again! It may sound stupid but with that many childminders, you never know your luck with one having a space suddenly come up.

I really do wish you all the best and hope you'll keep us updated.