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My son will be starting school eventually and I'm wondering what to do about getting time off work during the school breaks.
As he's in private nursery right now, he attends right through the year and I don't have to worry about it.
School has a total of about 3 months worth of break days through the year and obviously you don't get all that off work.
I don't have any family to use as childcare so would have to find an alternative.
Any one know what you do?
Hi Vylisa,
I was in a similar position to you a few years ago when my son started school, this is what worked for me. Firstly i had to sell it to him as a treat as he was special (being a big boy and going to clubs when most kids where with their parents ) i did not want a battle on my hands with him not wanting to go as i had to work and he is an only child.
He went to the breakfast club at school which starts at 0745 so I can get to work for 9 am. Then I found a childminder in the village I live in to collect him after school. I contracted her for 3 hours so from 3.20 to 6.20 as i did not finish work till 5.30. For school holidays I enrolled him in "gap club" which is holiday club from 8.30 until 6.30 as Louise mentioned look at your local CIS website or council website. This way I used my 24 days leave for inset days and the Xmas holiday as most gap clubs are not open at Xmas. You can pay for them with your Childcare vouchers just as the childminder.
It's been working well for the last 3 years. I did have to let my employer know that I would be in late due to the opening time of the gap club, but I just knocked it off my lunch break. Good luck
Wow debbie, you're really on it! I have to admit, I'd struggle to find wrap-round care for A if it wasn't for friends and family. Or at least, I thought I would; now I have your comprehensive guidelines to follow 
I'm sure lots of parents will find this useful. Much appreciated.
Thanks to the both of you for the tips.
Hi vylisa
Welcome to One Space
There are a couple of things you can do. You can contact the school directly to ask about their holiday/afterschool care. Many schools have clubs who run this and the school secretary will be able to give you the contact number. These clubs run before and after school during term time and full day care in the holidays.
If you are not 100% sure where he will be going, or you want to find out more about childcare in general in your area then contact your local Family Information Service (click to see)
Don't forget that if you are receiving Working Tax Credit you can continue to receive a contribution towards childcare costs.