Stressing about my daughter starting school...

**Ladyluck78** · 20-06-2012, 11:25am

This morning im getting myself in a right stress about my daughter starting school

She doesnt actually start until Sept 2013 but we need to complete her application in Oct this year.

We have recently moved to the area so i have been in contact with the council to make sure i know what i need to do etc.

My panic is that there is only 1 school in our catchment and i have no idea if it offers an after school club which is essential for me as i work and have to keep working. Im happy to drop my hours if needed but will not be able to drop them enough to do drop of and pick up everyday at normal school time (i work 30 mins from home).

I have contacted the school to ask if they provide after school care but i can feel my stress levels rising over it, say they dont and we are rejected for other schools that do.....

what would i do? try to find a childminder... i really dont know.

Sorry for the stressy braindump but could really use some advice on this one...

Thanks.

**Franny** · 20-06-2012, 11:29am

Childminders will do a pick up no problem.

Also, even though the school might not offer after school care, there might be an outside service, so to speak. We have a couple in our area who will send someone to do the pick up and bus them to where the club is located. Your local council should be able to help.

**Bop** · 20-06-2012, 11:31am

Firstly big ((hugs))

Childcare and school can be a headache, but you have plenty of time to sort stuff out. There will be a solution, but it might need a little creativity.

I know many parents and their solutions including before and after school clubs, childminders, mother's help (at your home), change of hours, flexible hours for both parents, change of job/work from home....

There will be something that works for you....at this stage I think that finding the right school for your child where they will thrive is the most important thing.

Bop

**Sam** · 20-06-2012, 11:33am

Originally Posted by Franny

Childminders will do a pick up no problem.

Also, even though the school might not offer after school care, there might be an outside service, so to speak. We have a couple in our area who will send someone to do the pick up and bus them to where the club is located. Your local council should be able to help.

Yes, that's exactly what there is at ds2's school

**Ladyluck78** · 20-06-2012, 11:39am

Thanks for the replies, starting to feel calmer..

My husband says it will all work out and we will sort it out and not to worry but its hard when im the one doing all the investigating and the one whose work it impacts on.

It would be so much easier if there was a website that actually told you the information on after school clubs etc..

**LiLi** · 20-06-2012, 12:26pm

Can you believe our babies are starting school next year??

I was concerned when I found out that our school didn't have an after-school club, but there was no way I was sending DD to any other school, as ours is just round the corner from our house! In the end, I found a childminder that did school drop-offs/pick-ups, and I have to say I'm really glad we did.

IMO, I just think it's really nice for a child to have a home environment to go to after school, especially when they first start, as school can be a big and scary place! I know there are some really great after-school clubs, but I do like the personal touch (and flexibility) of a good child-minder, so I wouldn't rule that one out if I were you.

**Franny** · 20-06-2012, 12:53pm

would this help http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/parents/childcare/dg_180946

**Ladyluck78** · 20-06-2012, 01:15pm

Franny - Thanks, i had been on there looking around but by clicking on your link i found a link to the national childminders website that was really helpful.

**Ladyluck78** · 20-06-2012, 01:17pm

Li Li - I think part of my stressing is because Liv is my baby she cant be going to school next year. Even though she is in nursery when i work she is still my little bubba and school seems so grown up.

**Rosa** · 20-06-2012, 01:47pm

You can't be the only parent in this position, have you asked on your local netmums? Our school doesn't have after school club, but there is an outside club who does collect from our school, plus there are loads of childminders etc as well. Don't worry, you will work it out