how much do registered childminders charge?

321poiuyt

Hey Happymummy, im a registered childminder, and although im also qualified you dont have to be. As long as you do the 5 week course set by your local social services early years team and they then vet you and inspect your house you can start when you are insured and registered by them. The course is usually (it was when i did it 3 years ago)2 or 3 hours, one evening a week for the 5 weeks, you will have forms to fill in but no tests but you will need to have an interview with social services when they are vetting your house. And when you like if you can fit it in you could get qualified. ring social services and find out about their next intake for the course. it worked for me as a single mum who wanted to earn and bring up my own child. The two other children i care for have been with me over two years and are like brothers and sisters. win win situation for all, T

happymummy24-7

Thank you very much 321poiuyt!!
that sounds very interesting! What sort of things do they like you to have in for your home to be fit? With a 3yr old ours has been childproof for years,lol.I am also very interested in fostering-although abit off topic here-perhaps one would very easily lead into the other as im only 28 and cant even bear to think of our house without young children running around it!
I could definatly do one evening a week so i will give them a call!
Thats exactly what i was taking about-you minded children becomming like brothers and sisters one big happy family,it must be such a comfort to the parents also to know they are in a very loving enviroment-well done you!
Laura.

grogdog

does anyone know any available minders in the glengormley area (hightown road)

321poiuyt

All my three are just coming four this term, and my wee one really misses them when on holiday. Its all common sense, stair gate, drawer locks, alcohol up high or locked away same with chemicals, meds and things you dont want them having access to, smoke alarms, electrical socket covers, fire guard, first aid kit. but they do go through all this at the course too. Its a good start to the road to fostering it will certainly help with that process. You can ask to be put on the respite care list with social and they will call you if someone needs a few hours off now and again. I did that last year for a foster parent who needed compassionate leave and i did that for 5 weeks it pays nice too. try the NICMA site for more up to date details i dont want to feed you one sided info. Nicma are the ones that i get my insurance from, they have good support system and they have vacancy lists for parents.

321poiuyt

Hey Grogdog, Im sorry i dont know of any minder there, but do phone social services as they keep a list and they can send one out to you. That is where I actually get most of my enquiries. And also try the NICMA site although i cant remember what it is. Both of those only record registered minders, so if you dont want that put an ad in to your local or check there for them. All the best with finding one.

yorkshire_lass_3

It's better to be a registered childminder as you are then able to obtain insurance. As far as I remember, it's also illegal to mind children in your own home for reward (money or otherwise i.e. 'free' shopping) over a certain amount of hours (can't remember how many). So for the childminders and the childrens safety I would always recommend placing children with a registered and insured childminder. Registered childminders have an ispection report done on a yearly basis. Not all reg minders will be with NICMA as some of us found a cheaper way to obtain insurance this year with a company based in England which gave better coverage. Try the netmums website. :j

jjd

I wouldn't rule out a nursery until you ask about and have a look at somewhere that has good reports.
My child has been at the same nursery for over four years and I have never had a problem. He is now at school and they leave him into school in the morning and pick him up the days that i'm at work. It is a nursery in Co. Down and costs about £22 per day for this. Full day care for a younger child is around £25 per day. I have found that although this nursery is not state of the art it passes all inspections, has exceptional staff and people who care about my child. The majority of the staff are the same staff that where there when my son started years ago, low staff turnover is always a good sign. In the summer when off school the cost only goes up about a £1 per day and the kids get on trips to the swimming pool, playcentres, theatres etc.
I'm sure there are loads of excellent childminders out there but the nursery just suits me as I don't have any family that would be able to step in if the childminder was sick and I can't take days off work.

dmurray0

Try this site. We use it in work all the time. Alos see if you're entitled to working tax credit as you will get the child care element to help cover costs. If not check with your employer and see if they do the childcare vouchers. Here's the link... http://www.nicma.org/06/findchildminder_fs.php

jilly_liz

nadnad wrote: »

i'm starting to apply for jobs now (on maternity leave at mo and got made redundant in sept), and i need to start looking about a childminder for my 8 month old.

How much per hour do they charge? i dont have a clue and friends have told me all different things - from £1.60 per hour (sounds v. cheap) to £3.50, thats quite a variation and I just want to get a feel for what most people pay. if anyone replies could you let me know whereabouts you are too cos i've been told it varies slightly geographically.

ta very much

Im a childminder in Ilkley West Yorkshire and i charge £4.00 per hour and im putting my prices up in October to £4.50 this is still well below the minimum wage hope this helps , but if you look into it you will probbly be able to clam your childcare through working tax credits.

beccam

Hi I'm in Belfast and pay our CM £3.50/hr.
What I would say though is every childminder draws up their own contract so be careful to ask the right questions.
This is our 3rd childminder and all 3 have had different contracts with regards minimum payment/sick pay/holiday pay/food etc.

Our current one is the best thing since sliced bread, she only charges for hours used, no minimum payment each week, very flexible in the hours and days and provides snacks and food. She is an absolute star!

Ring NICMA with your postcode and they will give you a list of all with availability but also think about your route to work etc as it may be you have more choice if in a different area/postcode. As PP said check out netmums website and register for your local area, some childminders post availability there.