childcare for shift work

[Kalamiphile]

What options are availble for a single parent who is a nurse with no creche facility at work and a manager who doesn't do monthly shift rota until couple of days before it starts. What hours do minders work to and if a childminder how does one negotiate no prospect for a definate day, hours from week to week? I thought that a shared nanny might work but even that would be difficult and not sure that is availble in the Willeden/Harlesdon area (I know! Don't even go there!)

I don't think my daughter has yet understood how difficult it is to be a single working parent never mind if you don't even work 9-5!! It would be easier if she was 16 but she is 35 and should know better! xx

[Fuschia]

I have a friend who works shifts and has had a full time minding place booked always, although it wasn't always used. She had a partner though, for night shifts.

I presume it's possible to ask in the NHS for flexible/family friendly working?!

[Smiler]

Oh dear, sounds really tricky.

The manager could make adjustments, e.g. alter how the rotas are planned to give your daughter more notice of her shifts or more regular shifts.

The NHS should have good policies on this, backed up by employment law (flexible working and sex discrimination) - HR might be able to help if the manager is difficult.

[Kalamiphile]

Thanks for that, will certainly remind her to look at the child friendly policies. Fuschia, does that mean your friend pays for slots she doesnt use? I din't think that would be affordable for my daughter. These things are not what has been thought about when unexpectedly pregnant.

[snss75]

Especially as a single parent getting an au pair may be a good alternative? Could always agree the hours when the rota becomes available and as long as this was made clear to the au pair at the time of hiring it shouldn't relaly be a problem I'd imagine.

[redjam]

Southwark has a brilliant service called, I think, the Southwark Childminding Service, which specifically aims to help working mums with odd shifts/irregular hours/short hours who need childcare. We have found a wonderful childminder that way, who comes to our house, as we only need her for a few hours a day. I wonder if Brent council has a similar service? Might be worth your daughter contacting them to find out.

[Kalamiphile]

Thats excellent advice redjam, will tell her to check with Brent.She barely has enough room for herself and baby, so afraid au pair not an option.

[Fuschia]

Kalamiphile Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Thanks for that, will certainly remind her to look

> at the child friendly policies. Fuschia, does that

> mean your friend pays for slots she doesnt use? I

> din't think that would be affordable for my

> daughter. These things are not what has been

> thought about when unexpectedly pregnant.

She does, yes. THough her minder isn't hugely expensive (about ?35 per day) .. she doesn't live somewhere as pricey as ED.

[buggie]

Are you sure your daughter hasn't checked with the HR dept of her trust what their policy is regarding parents returning to work (the manager will have to tow the line with whatever trust policy is). They may even have someone in the HR dept who specificially deals with childcare enquires and is aware of policies/what the trust will or can do.

She should be able to work set days/shift times which will take away the problem of knowing what days childcare'll be needed and be able to change her hours/go pt/time as/if needed.

The HR dept should also be able to give details of local childcare if there really isn't nursery available within the trust (eg Kings have 2 onsite nurserys).

[Kalamiphile]

I know she hasn't as yet but I will advise her to do so. Thats very helpful info. Things are very different than when I was a mum!!

[Fuschia]

she might get tax credits/vouchers towards the cost if using registered childcare

[sian]

Is she a member of a union? They could advise her on the policies and negotiate with the manager

[Kalamiphile]

She is just about to go in and see HR armed with your useful advice buggie, many thanks!

buggie Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Are you sure your daughter hasn't checked with the

> HR dept of her trust what their policy is

> regarding parents returning to work (the manager

> will have to tow the line with whatever trust

> policy is). They may even have someone in the HR

> dept who specificially deals with childcare

> enquires and is aware of policies/what the trust

> will or can do.

>

> She should be able to work set days/shift times

> which will take away the problem of knowing what

> days childcare'll be needed and be able to change

> her hours/go pt/time as/if needed.

>

> The HR dept should also be able to give details of

> local childcare if there really isn't nursery

> available within the trust (eg Kings have 2 onsite

> nurserys).

[buggie]

Glad to help - hope that she gets the support she needs from them x