[greenchilli]

Hi,
Just wondered what the situation is in NZ re child care before and after school as OH and I will both be working full time. Is it available at schools like uk or do people use child minders ?
Anybody have any experience of this ?

[mgbridges]

To be honest its one thing putting me off going back to work fulltime, never mind the fact I'm actually enjoying being able to spend more time with DS. There really doesn't seem to be many options for pre/after school care, I've certainly never come across any childminders whereas I knew several who collected from my son's school in the UK.

At my son's Catholic primary school on the North Shore in Auckland you can drop the kids off from 8am (I think) and they can play in the school grounds but not go into the classrooms until 8.30am (there is a bell). School starts at 8.50am. I'm not sure I'd be happy doing this but there certainly seem to be plenty of working mums & dads who do.

I'm not sure of others experience but at my son's school there just doesn't seem to be as many working mums. Or if they do work its part time and they are able to collect their kids from school. There also seems to be a really strong network of mums helping each other out particularly when their children go to the same after school activities.

I have seen two after school clubs doing pick-ups at his school. One is called S.K.I.D.S (Safe Kids in Daily Supervision), www.skids.co.nz. I'm afraid I can't remember the other company.

Sorry this is rather disjointed, I haven't had my first cup of coffee this morning but I hope this helps. I know childcare has definitely been discussed before so maybe a bit of searching might turn something up.

Good luck,
Anneliese

[shakyle2906]

Hi

Our son is 6 and goes to after school care.

There are OSCAR programmes available in areas of NZ -try and have look at their website. Some are also tied into the schools but lots have long waiting lists.

Kyle goes to OSCA for school holidays , through the local YMCA - we pay $27 a day 8 till4 where you rpovide own lunch and they sometimes take them out on trips too - our local one provides a good programme.

He goes to KAS, Kids After School monday to friday, they charge $4.40 an hour plus $1.50 transport to their club. He really enjoys, they have a snack when they get there, can play and also have chance to do homework.

Hope this helps in someway - if i can help further , let me know.

Sharon
x

[greenchilli]

Thanks guys that's really helpful, I have to agree I would rather not to work but think it is going to be necessary. Hubby is already working in Auckland so will get him to investigate, thanks again for the advice.

[Familyofmonkeys]

Daughters school have a before and after school club run by a company that uses the school hall. Not sure of the cost, but it runs from 7am until 6pm.....not as late as most of the childcare services from our old area in UK, but it does seem that less parents work until very late here.