How rubbish is this ?

[TTC LADY]

I go back to work after 12 months leave in august and so DH and I thought we better get Riya registered for childcare group.

Little did we know it would be so difficult.....apparently only 5 childcare groups in the town we live in with a total of only 60 places !!!. We've called all of them and all full with long waiting list.

They told us it was unlikely we would get her in by august, so now wehave a dilemma as we are expats in Germany, with no family support. It's likely we may have to consider a private nanny, which will cost a fortune.

Apparently the lack of places is due to the fact that many women take 2 years off (maternity leave is up to 3 years), however I am on a uk work contract, so 12 months leave maximum.

Really peeeeed off !

 

[PregnantKez]

That really sucks They have long maternity leave in germany don't they! Is there no other nurseries a little further away?? But leave baby on the waiting list for one of the nearer ones and get in there when the waiting list is ok.

 

[New2Bumps]

Is there an expat group or something you could ask for advice - you can't be the first expat to experience this problem.
Is there any way you can work part time?
Would it be cheaper to leave work that get the private nanny?
Would it be worth contacting your employer with the problem to see if they're willing to give you any extra maternity leave (even if unpaid?)

 

[MandaAnda]

I'm not sure where in Germany you are, but a lot of the wives of British army soldiers that are based in Germany are childminders and watch some of the other wives' kids that way. It may be worth getting in touch with them somehow?