Cutting childminder's wages - how do I broach it?

madmoney_2

hi jo, it sooooo stressful being a working mum isnt it???!!!! just wanted to send u a big hug, hope everything works out for u n fingers n everything else crossed that u get that dream job!!

mm

xxxx

jo1972

floss2 wrote: »

Just wanted to ask if your neighbour has considered becoming registered? And do you claim tax credits for childcare...I always understood you had to have a registration number to be able to?

I haven't asked her if it's something that she would consider, maybe that's an option (thanks ), we do get child tax credit but don't get the childcare element of it as I can't claim on that as she isn't registered.

MM, thanks hun, fingers crossed for you too

tyllwyd

I wouldn't get too hung up on the childcare element of child tax credit - I was awarded it, but it took a year before I realised that although the forms said I'd been awarded it, they had reduced the amount awarded to £0 because of my family's income. So its not certain that you'd get anything anyway (I've tried to google to find out what the thresholds are, but I can't find anything anywhere.)

mrcow

Don't forget as well that you can save 40%ish on childcare costs (up to £55 per week isn't it?) if you purchase childcare vouchers through your employer as they are tax and NI free.

You can only use these with registered childminders or nurseries though.

And you can do this now without waiting until your daughter turns three.

Edited to say: And these have no threshold, so you can buy these whatever your income.

TNG

I'm in a very similar situation. Next door look after DS1 and 2. Unfortunately I have to tell her that she aint looking after DS1 anymore :eek: she's been looking after him for 10 years

I think you just have to take deep breath and do it. There's no nice way and beating around the bush will only prolong the discomfort for you both.

Just sit her down and be honest and open - she'll appreciate it, even if she doesn't show it at first

Whenever I've had to do it previously, I found that this was the best way. Not easy, but it is something that has to be done.

I've just got to gird myself and do it again........

Best of luck

Penny-Pincher!!

Would an aupair not be cheaper?

PP
xx

jo1972

Penny-Pincher!! wrote: »

Would an aupair not be cheaper?

PP
xx

There's bearly enough room for the 5 of us to live in our house let alone someone else unfortunately

Thanks for the reply though

chloebelle

Hi, to be honest I don't think you have a major problem. My mum was a childminder for 10 years, when kids starting going to school there was no question that her earnings went down. Its a bit like starting to work part time and expecting full time wages.

I think it is entirely fair to say to your neighbour that as she is looking after the kids for less hours you need to pay her less money - I don't see how she can moan, particularly as she in unregistered.

Good luck, but I really think it is entirely fair to start paying her less.

jo1972

Thanks Chloe, all I've got to do now is bring the subject up :eek:

chloebelle

yeah its hard, I saw it from the other side when mum had to tell parents she was putting her fees up! I think you are at a big advantage, if she gets stroppy and you find childcare elsewhere, she is losing easy money where she doesn't even have the hassle of registration, annual inspections etc..