Paid School Run

MATH · 19 January 2006 at 5:07PM

A friend has asked if I would be willing to childmind her 5 and 4yr old from September for two days a week while she returns to work. She plans to drop the (already fed) at my house for 7:30am and I will look after them and do the morning school run. Collect them at 3:13pm give them a snack and take care of them until 5pm. TBH it will be easy for me as my kidz go to the same school and I'm doing the run anyway but I have no idea what I should charge. She has asked me to come back to her with some figures but I've no idea. Anyone out there know what the going rate is or have any other advice? Thanks MATH

Bossyboots · 19 January 2006 at 5:13PM

I don't know if the rules have changed but I know when my friend was childminding, you could only look after children for payment if you were registered with your local authority. I believe you also now have to be police checked. You may think you could get away with it but it is surprising how friendships can change when something goes wrong. I think you are leaving yourself open to some potential difficulties.

Also, do you take the children to school by car? Would you be covered to take these children in your car if you are being paid to care for them? Again, it would probably be okay until or unless something went wrong.

MATH · 19 January 2006 at 5:19PM

Thanks for ya comments Bossyboots. No I wouldn't be doing the school run by car.

Jet · 19 January 2006 at 5:21PM

The going rate in my area for childminders is around £3 per hour per child with lunch or dinner charged extra.

I second what Bossyboots has said, find out about things - I think you will need to be registered, which involves costs and training. You would also need insurance (for around £1 milliion).

If something bad happened while the children were in your care and it could be proved you were receiving money for looking after the children, you could be in serious trouble.

black-saturn · 19 January 2006 at 5:23PM

I used to take one girl to school and pick her up again for £10 per week. Your right though, if you get caught taking payment for it and your not a registered childminder its a hefty fine. I found it OK at first and then after a while it got quite difficult as she fell out with my eldest daughter and there was just too many arguments going on. I was just about to tell her mum that I couldnt do it anymore and she said she would be moving and wouldnt be needing me anymore.

Pooky · 19 January 2006 at 5:23PM

By law you cannot take a payment of any sort - be it cash or goods/services in kind towards child care unless you are a registered childminder.

Taking them in your car would be dodgy too as you wouldn't be insured for any major accident etc.

Registration to become a childminder is all done via OFSTED now and you'd need an enhanced criminal disclosure, the registration itself takes between 6-12 months.

I know it would be easy for you to do and spare cash in your pocket but it's really easy to fall into the trap of "doing someone a favour and being taken advantage of".

Entirely up to you at the end of the day but the risk of prosecution or accident wouldn't be worth it.

Edited to say - My childminding insurance covers me for £5 million - just seen the other post.

Rikki · 19 January 2006 at 5:25PM

As its only for two days a week, could she not return the favour and do the school runs for two days a week too and maybe the children could have afternoon tea as well. Then you would not need to receive any money. Just an idea.

MATH · 19 January 2006 at 5:38PM

Thanks Rikki, but I do not need or really want anyone to do the school run for me. Will have to give this some thought

Sarahsaver · 19 January 2006 at 6:00PM

I will as a friend who pays someone to do similar. She is a regiostered childminder though. Could you barter something, is that allowed?

Edinburghlass_2 · 19 January 2006 at 6:15PM

As far as I know the house also requires checking for safety reasons like stair bannisters, gates etc and a fire check by the local fire prevention people

Lillibet_2 · 19 January 2006 at 6:15PM

I coudl be totally wrong but I thought you were allowed to do it for upto 2 hours per day without any registration at all? Or maybe that's once they are over a certain age?

Paid School Run

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