[Lilly]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

Offical childcare for under 11's is difficult enough to find, over 11's is nigh on impossible

I was just going to say that.

Certainly in the school holidays you would have a problem if you had an 11 year old whom you were not confident to leave home alone.

I use holiday club for my children in school holidays and I am not aware of any holiday club that takes children over the age of 8.

It's not currently a problem for me as my two are under age 8 but when my eldest turns 9 I will have a problem. I won't want to leave him at home while I go to work but there are no holiday clubs that will take him.

I don't know why they don't take over 8s but the same seems to apply to childminders too.......is it for insurance purposes? I don't know.

As it happens I have a very good mum who will help me out but what about people without family to help them?

I think that any initiatives to get people back in employment are a good idea but this is a major issue in the school holidays and one that will need to be addressed before many people can go back to work.

Some 11 year olds will be ok at home but some won't and it all depends on the hours you work. Perhaps part time would not be too bad but full time?
I wouldn't want to leave an 11 year old alone for a full day.