Looking for a recommended nursery with long(ish) hours in East London

[catsmutha]

Been looking for a nursery for when i go back to work full time next year but it seems that most of the ones in this area close at 5.30 or 6. I won't be back in the area until at least 6.45, more usually 7. The only ones i've found so far that open late are too expensive (Leapfrog and others in Liverpool St area cost over £1000 a month). Anyone know any with longer/flexible hours and non-exorbitant prices in Hackney area? Or recommend a good nursery with a solution that's worked for you? I was thinking maybe I could get a childminder to pick dd up til i get home, is this do-able? Dont have friends or family in area that could do the pick up, and dh works late - hence my dilemma.

[Mumpbump]

The only one which I know is the Dock nursery on Dock Street and I think they charge £1200 for a full-time place from 07:00 to 19:00. If you have a house which is big enough, I'd suggest you get an au pair - they will help with the housework and it takes the pressure off you... Most live in, but some are happy to live out although you then end up paying them more...

[catsmutha]

Hi, thanks but too expensive and live in a 2 bed flat so au pair not really suitable! Also should have said dd will be 1 year old when i go back so i think she's best off in a nursery

[NotQuiteCockney]

I think if you want to pay less and have longer hours, you're better off using a childminder for the full day.

Or could you take your DD to a nursery near your work or your DH's work?

[Mumpbump]

What about a nanny share? They're expensive for one child, but if they look after two, I think they're economically viable and I think lots of people have the same issue as you. If you share, your dd would have another child to play with as well. That said, I thought nursery would be better because of the exposure to older children, so I can understand that a nanny might not be the solution...

[catsmutha]

Thanks all but been down most of these routes, i think my choice is between a local nursery and a childminder to do the last hour if i cant find one that's open later/not too expensive, or a childminder all day. I work in lots of different locations and dh has a long commute by train so can't use a nursery near either of our work. I agree a nannyshare would be good and have looked into it but havent found anyone and deep down I think i'd rather have her in more of a group situation with a mix of children. Phew, sorry if this seems like i'm rejecting all suggestions!

So are there no nurseries in Shoreditch/Dalston/Hackney open past six?