As a tutor Sarah’s normal working hours were from 4-7pm, but these times often changed depending on the needs of her clients. Her husband, a full-time student, had classes throughout the week and was often required to work in the evening.
When little Jack arrived they knew that finding childcare would be tricky; traditional nursery options, with full day bookings and rigid schedules, simply weren’t feasible.
The family needed reliable childcare that was responsive enough to meet Sarah’s changing schedule.
“We felt stuck and pretty hopeless, like our circumstances didn’t allow for both childcare and working towards better stability,” Sarah recalls.
The family faced a difficult reality, without affordable childcare that matched their specific hours, Sarah couldn’t maintain her job.
Thankfully the family found Flexible Childcare Services Scotland’s Tillydrone Nursery.
Tillydrone Nursery provides flexible early learning & childcare for 2-5 year olds in Aberdeen. Parents are not forced to book full days and they are not restricted by ridged booking schedules. Instead parents can book childcare by the hour and change their bookings each week in line with their work or educational commitments. Thanks to the nursery’s partnership with Aberdeen City Council they also offer funded childcare for eligible 2s and all 3-5 year olds, these funded hours can be used flexibly as well.
“We mainly book regular short afternoon slots to cover my working hours,” Sarah says. “Occasionally we book extra hours when things shift at home or work”
The ability to adjust their booking week-by-week has proven invaluable, giving the family the breathing space to respond to changing circumstances should they arise.
Sarah said, “Now we feel relieved, supported, and far more able to plan for the future. My husband’s been able to focus on his studies properly and is getting ready to move into full time work himself—something that felt out of reach before we found flexible childcare.”
Flexible childcare has done more than solve a logistical problem for this family—it has opened up a pathway to stability and a better future. Sarah can maintain consistent employment, building both income and professional momentum. Her husband can focus on completing his education without compromising his mental health. And their son receives quality care during the hours his parents need it most.
“Flexible childcare has made a huge difference for our family,” Sarah reflects. “The simple ability to book childcare by the hour, adjusting as needed week by week, has transformed what once felt like an impossible situation into a manageable, hopeful reality.”
