Finding the right childcare for your little one can be tough, especially if you don't work a standard 9 to 5 job during the week. And while you might have more limited options when you work non-standard hours or you're in need of occasional weekend childcare, there are still services available to you.
When it comes to Saturday childcare and Sunday childcare, the best option will depend on your individual circumstances and that of your child too. Keep reading to find out more about the different childcare options that could be available to you over the weekend.
Weekend childcare options
There are several options available for parents in need of weekend childcare. And with more families on the lookout for childcare services outside of standard hours and on weekends, these options are becoming more readily available. Here are some of the types of childcare that could be accessible to you.
Long daycare centres
Long daycare centres offer education and care services to children on a part-time or full-time basis. While operating hours differ across centres, they often offer extended opening hours, operating for roughly 10-12 hours each day, making them a great option for families that work non-standard hours.
Not all long daycare centres offer weekend childcare services, but with increasing demand, it's slowly becoming more readily available.
Family daycare
Family daycare services provide quality education and care to children within the home of the early childhood educators themselves. They offer a more natural, nurturing approach to education and care.
The operating hours for family daycares depend on the individual educator. But with that said, many family daycare providers are much more flexible than centre-based childcare services, so they may offer weekend care depending on the family's circumstances.
Nannies and au pairs
Nannies and au pairs provide live-in care for your children. Some nannies also offer live-out care, where they visit your home each day. Alternatively, they can be used as part of a nanny share situation where a nanny works for two different families and provides care for the children at different times or cares for all children at the same time.
While nannies and au pairs can be a great option for families in need of weekend childcare, you need to have enough room in your home to accommodate an extra person on a long-term basis. Plus, they can often work out to be more expensive than alternative childcare options.
Most nannies hold a child care qualification or training and work in childcare full-time. Au pairs on the other hand are usually young, single people who come to Australia to learn English and live in an Australian household. Au pairs tend to have little to no training and are often used for before- or after-school care.
Babysitters
Babysitters provide care to your children within your home. They may take care of your kids on a regular or casual basis. Babysitters can be hired through an agency. While these agencies have access to a huge network of vetted babysitters, they'll generally charge an agency fee on top of the babysitter's fee. Alternatively, you can ask your family and friends for recommendations. If your child attends a childcare centre during the week, it could be worth checking if any of the educators offer weekend babysitting services too.
Babysitters don't necessarily hold childcare qualifications or training, so they tend not to be as experienced as a nanny who works in childcare full-time. More often than not babysitters have another job or they're studying.
Occasional, flexible or casual childcare
Occasional care, also known as flexible or casual childcare, provides early childhood education and care services on an ad hoc basis. Whether you're just after an hour of supervision or a full day or care, you just pay for the time your child is in their service.
Dedicated occasional care centres offer flexible care for children aged from birth to five years of age. Because they're family grouped, it means that siblings will be kept together, rather than separated by age as they would be at long daycare centres. And with increasing demand, some long daycare centres are starting to offer occasional care services too.
In-home care
In-home care (IHC) is one of the most flexible childcare options. As the name suggests, in-home care involves a qualified educator delivering early childhood education and care services within your home.
This form of government-subsidised care is available to families that aren't able to access regular childcare options because they:
- Work non-standard or variable hours,
- Are geographically isolated, or
- Have challenging or complex family needs.
To be eligible for in-home care you must qualify for the Childcare Subsidy, meet one of the above criteria and be able to prove that other childcare options aren't available or appropriate for your situation. Your state's IHC Support Agency will assess your circumstances and allocate a place if you're eligible.
Kid sharing
If you have colleagues, friends or family members in a similar situation, you might be able to work out an ongoing kid sharing arrangement. This involves taking turns minding each other's children.
Although these arrangements can be challenging to organise at times, they can be incredibly effective and cost-efficient too.
If you're not sure which one of these weekend childcare options would work best for you and your child, you can use our childcare compass to figure out the best option.
Tips for choosing the best weekend childcare
Choosing the best weekend childcare option can be a difficult decision, but there are several factors that you can consider to help you make the best choice for you and your little one. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Safety: the safety of your child should always be your top priority. Look for a childcare option that has a good reputation and meets all safety standards.
- Age and developmental stage: consider your child's age and developmental stage when choosing a childcare option. You may want to look for activities and programs that are appropriate for your child's age and developmental level.
- Location: choose a childcare option that is convenient and accessible for you and your family. You may want to consider a location that is close to your home or workplace.
- Cost: childcare can be expensive, so consider your budget when choosing a childcare option. Look for options that are affordable and offer good value for your money. And depending on the type of childcare and your family's circumstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance in the form of the Child Care Subsidy.
- Opening hours: whether you're after Saturday childcare or Sunday childcare, it's important to make sure the childcare options' opening hours work well with your schedule. Do you have the flexibility to pick up and drop off your child as needed?
- Staff qualifications: look for childcare options that have well-trained and experienced staff. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the caregivers who will be working with your child.
- Activities and programs: look for childcare options that offer a variety of activities and programs that will keep your child engaged and entertained. Consider your child's interests and choose a childcare option that offers activities that your child will enjoy.
- Recommendations: ask friends, family and other parents for recommendations on weekend childcare options. You can also check online reviews and ratings to get a better sense of the quality of care and services offered by different providers. And if you get stuck, you can use our childcare search tool to find high-quality childcare near you.
Finding the right weekend childcare is essential. With childcare open on weekends and overnight care options becoming more available in New South Wales, families can find solutions that fit their needs. For more details, consult resources like the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
