Childcare

[Thailand1]

Hi,

My little boy is 15 weeks old. I'm going back to work only 3 days a week 1 of those days is a weekend. I will need childcare for 2 days. I have not discussed my hrs with work yet however this shouldn't be a problem. Im due back to work Jan next year I have started looking for childminders in my area however I have not enquired any info or visited etc Is it too early to start looking? If I like a childminder can they save a place for me? If anyone has any info I would love to hear? As I'm in limbo on what to do X

 

[russellmuscle]

First time round we went with private care (nursery) I think I contacted them in the summer before returning in the fall and they just had space so I'd say deffo never too early. Usually with private care a deposit will secure your place.

I've no experience of child minders but they sound fab as long as they come with good credits your wee one will love it. And you can get a few hrs of adult chat a day and be called by your first name lol!

xxxx

 

[Thailand1]

Lol If I could stay at home with my boy I would however I have to go back

I have emailed one childminder just awaiting a reply. I say the earlier the better however I'm totally clueless on what to look for in a childminder I know I need to check certain things qualification, fees, experience, checks and visit to there home. I can see this being quite stressful!! There are quite a few in my local area so I'm hoping I will find one

 

[russellmuscle]

I'm sure you'll find one. I'd deffo maybe get a few and contact them and then you'll get to see some things that they offer that others don't or whatever. Alot of teachers turn to child minding here. Quite alot of retired teachers or like ex nursery workers. But it's really all down to how you feel about where you leave him. I'd deffo take baby to meetings too might be stressful but so you can get an idea how the minder reacts with baby and vice versa.

It's a needs must these days sadly. I would love to spend every day with my boys but equally work is a break and my social hub lol. My eldest is sometimes quite shy but in nursery he's never shy because it's just always been there and it's his little social and learning time too. My eldest finishes his preschool soon. We no longer use his private care since I stopped for mat leave but he goes to his community preschool and then will go to school after the summer.

They grow so bloody fast.

xxxx

 

[russellmuscle]

Also not quite sure about child minder bodies but for child care we check the ofsted reports for how each nursery is scored. Not sure if minders are on there or if they have their own thing.

xxxx

 

[Thailand1]

I had 2 childminders get back to me and very positive one can reserve a place with a deposit & the other has my requirements 2 days a week and said that is not a problem however cannot do anything till September which is fair enough. In August me and my OH will look into this a lot more & atend some visits. Yes childminders have ofsted visits/reports. On childcare.co.uk which I have been using, states all qualifications, courses attended, experience & ofsted reports on there profiles. When we go to visit I will be looking at these reports & will have a long list of questions
I feel more at ease now!! I now need to speak to my manager about the hrs/days I would like to do?? Not yet tho not till I have childcare sorted. Plus they have to accommodate me

 

[russellmuscle]

Yes I'd see what days and support you have then weigh out what's best hours wise.

This time we are working it between us. I'll do eldest school drop OH will collect him and my dad will have the baby. I did apply to reduce my hours but the job I'm in is tight they did offer to trial cut hours and maybe even a job share but I want my wage after being off so long lol! I can always apply work hour change next year and appeal I'd have a very good case given the first request was ballsed partly because they didn't follow procedure.

Good luck with minder meetings. It's exciting and nerving but it gets easier.

xxxx