Wendy is a hairdresser working in a high-street hair salon. She is not self-employed, her working hours are set by her employer and her schedule tends to be very inflexible. Like many working parents, Wendy faced significant challenges balancing her career with childcare responsibilities, particularly before her daughter started nursery.
Before her daughter turned two, Wendy’s work life was severely constrained by childcare limitations. Most of the options available in her area were either too expensive or their opening and closing times didn’t suit her schedule. She relied heavily on her family, but matching their availability with her work commitments was challenging.
“I was constantly relying on family members for childcare just to be able to work — it was stressful and very limiting.”
Thankfully, a friend told her about Flexible Childcare Services Scotland’s Strathisla Children’s Centre in Keith and, after visiting the setting, she knew that she’s found a solution to her childcare challenge.
Unlike many nurseries in the area Strathisla opens from 8am – 6pm and offers both term time and full year spaces. The custom built early learning and childcare setting allows parents to create bespoke sessions to match their work or educational commitments and, what’s more, parents can book extra hours when needed, and change their bookings each week to match fluctuating shift patterns.
“I don’t have the flexibility to choose my hours at work but having access to childcare from 8am–6pm has made a huge difference. It allows me to focus on work while knowing my child is spending the day in a fun, social environment with children her own age.
“The fact that Strathisla Nursery is also open during school term holidays has been a lifesaver. With both myself and my partner working on fixed hours, finding childcare over the holidays used to be almost impossible. Now, I can book the sessions I need and keep working consistently.”
Wendy no longer needs to rely on family availability or worry about last-minute appointments that might affect nursery pick up time, she can plan in advance and book extra hours when she needs them most.
“This service is so important — especially in today’s economy, when most of us need to work and don’t have the privilege of working hours that fit traditional nursery hours. Strathisla not only supports working families, but also provides children with a thriving, social environment that’s so valuable for their development and confidence.”
