Moving to another country can bring with it lots of issues, even more when you have children too. One of the main issues can be finding work that can fit around your children when you’re not sure what the education system is like in the new country.
Here is a brief overview of how the education system works in the UK. Usually when your child reaches 2 ½ (2 in some places), they are able to start preschool. Preschools usually run either morning sessions (9-12), or afternoon sessions (12.30 – 2.30) or some offer all day and lunch’s. The times and sessions are dependent upon your local groups and a great resource to find out more information about preschools in your area is your local Sure Start centre. Your child will receive funding for 15hrs a week at their preschool or nursery in the term after they turn 3; prior to this the charges are different for each setting.
Once they turn 4, the following September they are due to start school. These normally run from 9 to 3 and some offer a before and after school club making it easier for working families to drop off their children and get to work. Many mums like to drop off and collect their children leaving a window of working from 9 to 3.
There are lots of opportunities available for family friendly working whether you have preschool or school aged children once you know what and where to look. There are direct selling or party plan opportunities such as Vie at Home and Phoenix Cards which can be done either at coffee mornings, school or craft fairs or in the evenings.
Another great family friendly business idea is buying a franchise. This is a great idea if you want a readymade business where you know the business idea works and all the support and marketing is already in place. To make this work even better would be to buy a franchise aimed at preschool aged children such as Tumble Tots or Jo Jingles as these classes usually run during school and nursery hours and don’t run through the school holidays.
Alternatively, if you have an idea and want to start your own business then there are lots of support and advice available to help you start, develop and build your business. For a start it can involve long hours and may not be that family flexible but once established, you can tailor it more to how you want to work.
This guest post is by Family Friendly Working
