Childcare question
 

The first and most important question that came up from my recent trip over there is childcare related. I received a job offer, but the wage would mean that my wife would need to go to work part time to make life a little more comfortable. Our only problem is our eldest 2 children are school age, but not yet old enough to look after themselves while not at school, so what do you guys do during the school holidays?

Is it a case of having to put them in childcare? Or do the schools offer some sort of 'summer school'? This, as weird as it sounds could be make or brake as to whether i accept the job offer or not.

Re: Childcare question
 

some schools have holiday care but if yours doesn't then you are sure to find some sort of holiday care.

Just a word on basis things on your wife getting a part job might not be the best way as so many of us have found its really not that easy.

Re: Childcare question
 

Most of our local schools have a holiday programme run by Kelly Club. It costs $45-60 a day depending whether they do on outside trips or not.

There's also before and after school clubs, which at my daughter's school cost $11 for before school, $11 3pm-4:30 or $19 3pm-6pm.

This is in Wellington, I assume Auckland prices would be similar.

https://www.kellyclub.co.nz/

Re: Childcare question
 

When you say it's not that easy, would that be finding a job, or using it to balance the finances?

Re: Childcare question
 

finding a part job for your partner possibly. so don't factor it into your day to day budget.

Re: Childcare question
 

You can get financial help for childcare depending on your household salary. There are plenty of parents who need child care in the school holidays so you shouldn't have difficulty finding somewhere (our 2 local schools combine and offer breakfast club from 7am, after-school care till 7pm and every school holiday).

Part-time work depends on the skills you have and realistic expectations. Finding something in that fits in with school hours is obviously a lot harder but it sounds like you're being realistic knowing that working and school hours do not usually correspond.

Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy - Work and Income